Absolutely Surrey December 2023

SURREY

Surrey DECEMBER 2023 / £3.95

PLU S

GOLDEN YEARS It's sparkle season!

• FESTIVE HOMES

All the best decorations

• CAMILLE WALALA

DECEMBER 2023

The artist and her lava lamp

aa

Happy

SPECIA L Inspiration and insight for stylish interiors

HOLIDAY CELEBRATING ALL THE JOYS OF CHRISTMAS

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This boutique This boutique is part ofisthe part Watches of the Watches of Switzerland of Switzerland Group Group

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Flagship Store, London 48A Pimlico Road, Belgravia London, SW1W 8LP london@carlhansen.com

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Monday - Friday: 10 am - 6 pm Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm +44 0 (20) 7730 8454

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RF1903 | KK44860

Rikke Frost | Kaare Klint

2020 | 1932

THOUGHTFUL CRAFTSMANSHIP

The Sideways Sofa from Rikke Frost combines classic materials – wood, paper cord, and high-quality upholstery textile – with a modern asymmetric shape.

With a focus on ergonomics and functionality, the KK44860 Side Table is a simple design, displaying traditional craft techniques and highlighting the unique qualities and the beauty of wood.

RF1903 Sideways Sofa, walnut, oil, Hallingdal 0200, £7,445 | KK44860 Side Table, walnut, oil, £1,128 | MO300 Wall Lamp, Powder-Coated Steel, black, £228

Retail prices incl. VAT.

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EXPLORE THE ARCTIC IN ULTRA LUXURY

TRAILFINDERS EXPERIENCE

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COUTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

YOUR TIMELINE TO THE PARTY SEASON

With the festive season fast approaching Dr Nyla has designed the revolutionary bespoke treatment package called the Transformation FaceliftTM. This treatment which is unique to the Dr Nyla clinics, combines a variety of incredible non invasive anti-ageing treatments to make you look and feel 10 years younger in the space of only six weeks with absolutely no downtime and no tell tale signs. The next generation, multiplatform transformational facial available exclusively at Dr Nyla’s offers non-surgical skin tightening and lifting to treat all anti-ageing concerns

A range of targeted skincare products and electronic devices combining the latest in skincare science with Dr Nyla’s renowned expertise. Consciously created, results driven skincare by one of the UK’s leading Dermatology GP, made with cutting edge technology and the finest clinically proven ingredients, have been designed to enhance your clinic experience and to give you long lasting treatment results both at the clinic and at home.

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WHY DR NYLA : Doctor Nyla is a skin specialist, trusted by TV personalities, well-known celebrity figures and some of Britain’s most familiar faces in the media industry. Founder and Medical Director of Doctor Nyla Medispa is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP. Dr Nyla is a winner of Best Cosmetic Clinic 2019 to 2020 and a nomination for Best Cosmetic Doctor 0 .

With the largest Exilis Elite skin tightening in the UK, alongside the 2nd largest CoolSculpting clinic in Europe. Dr Nyla is considered one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country. Having practised medicine for over 20 years and having personally delivered over 200,000 treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration of the industry.

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PLANNING A NIGHT OUT? THINK EPSOM!

Superb food, live music, theatre, arts, comedy, immersive events, occasions, big nights out or just a quiet lunch with a friend – Epsom has it all.

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents DECEMBER 2023

56

82 B E AU T Y MAKE UP TREND

C U LT U R E ABSOLUTELY LOVES

71

WHAT'S ON

73 FITNESS NOTES

24 REBEL FASHION

75 BEAUTY NOTES

FOOD & DRINK 38 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

HOME 82 DECK THE HALLS

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10 things we’re coveting this month

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Your diary for December

Anarchic looks at the Design Museum

News from the industry

44 RECIPES

Farm dishes from Dorset

FA S H I O N 56 THE SHOOT

Diamonds and gems from Graff

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RING MY BELL

Stylish engagement rings

Time to shine

Personalised Pilates

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News and views

All the best Christmas accessories

87 CREATIVE REVIEW Design news

88 WASTE-FREE TECH

A B S O L U T E LY. L O N D O N The online guide to inspirational London living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

The innovative gomi studio

92 COLOUR WAYS The new lava lamps

O N T H E C OV E R graff.com

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Beautiful timber windows & doors

EDITOR IN CHIEF PENDLE HARTE MAMA EDITOR CARLY GLENDINNING ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNERS MIKE ROBERTS, SUZETTE SCOBLE MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER CARMEN GRAHAM JUNIOR DESIGNER JOE MUNSEY PRODUCTION MANAGER DANICA BRODIE PORTFOLIO MANAGER ASTRID ELSEN SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT STELLA ADAMS FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, JAMES FUSCHILLO

Window shopping

MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: pendle@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 07818 690 386 or email: craig@zest-media.com

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We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters.

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Wandsworth | Crouch End | Dulwich

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Editor’s

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S December issue highlights

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hristmas may start earlier every year, but whatever your persuasion, December is definitely the most festive month. It's time to put up your tree, hang garlands, light candles and swing fairy lights around. For this issue we have discovered lots of lovely – and tasteful – adornments. We're embracing sparkly jewellery, shiny make up and party attire, plus a wholesome diet of mince pies and champagne. But even though Christmas is the main focus of this month's Home section, that's not all we're thinking about.

We celebrate design classics including Carl Hansen's beautiful rocking chair and, unlikely as it sounds, the lava lamp, reinvented in time for Christmas by a rosta of designers including Camille Walala. We are also smitten with a clever new speaker made from recycled materials, which is top of our Christmas lists.

All this and more make up our December issue.

Merry Christmas to all our readers.

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Wax lyrical

Remember the lava lamp? Camille Walala has made it cool again

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Let it shine

Make up is shimmery and sparkly this month

PENDLE HARTE EDITOR

Star shapes

Our favourite decorative styles

All in the planning

Have you got your 2024 diary yet?

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Celebratory feasts Lots of dining opportunities

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GOLDEN YEARS

Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

Fusing unmistakable femininity with a rock n roll aesthetic, Queens of archive produce showstopping statement styles that embrace original prints and unique fabrications, with refined fit at their heart. queensofarchive.com

BLING BLING Everyone loves shiny tree decorations. Our favourites are these monogram air balloons at Anthropologie, £10. anthropologie.com

M E TA L W O R K This sweet shoe comes in the softest silver and bronze craquelure leathers to add a pop of metallic to any outfit. And they're super comfortable too. £149 penelopechilvers.com

G O L D S TA R Stylish, creative jewellery pieces from Moushe are designed to be versatile and worn in countless different ways. moushedesigns.com

PENDLE HARTE

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

EDITOR’S PICK

DISCO BISCUIT Lily Charmed’s new Biscuit jewellery collection features Custard Creams, Jammie Dodgers, Party Rings, Bourbon, and Rich Tea styles in recycled sterling silver Sterling Silver and Gold-plated recycled sterling silver. lilycharmed.com

LIGHT UP

GO FOR GOLD

This gorgeous star doubles as a Christmas tree topper and a lighting feature with glittering gold LEDs. £40 rockettstgeorge.com

The Oscar bowl is inspired by midcentury architecture and adds a couture presence on your cocktail table. £150 jonathanadler.com

GOLDEN G LOW

SHIMMER SUIT

Stoov's rechargeable heated pillows are the ultimate in cosy styling this winter.

Charge them up and settle in for hours of warmth. stoov.com

Aubade's Nuit Sauvage bodysuit exudes mystery, fascination and magic with its sensual look and see-through fabric. ameliesfollies.co.uk

IN THE SHADE The Adidas Originals eyewear collection marks an intersection of sport and street style seen through the lens of culture. £129 specsavers.co.uk

MORE THAN GOLD Booja-Booja's vegan Christmas chocolate truffles are the wholefoodsmarket.co.uk

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Waiting for Cataract Surgery Looking for world-class eye treatment using state-of-the-art technology?

Visit Centre for Sight – one of the most advanced eye hospitals in the UK – and receive outstanding care from world-renowned surgeons. You can be treated within a couple of weeks, with the possibility of eliminating your need for glasses through high-performance lens implants.

Get ready to see clearly again with rapid access to cataract surgery.

Call for more information FREEPHONE 0808 304 4357 enquiries@centreforsight.com www.centreforsight.com

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C U LT U R E

ACCIDENTALLY WES ANDERSON AWAEXHIBITION.COM

The Agenda 22 • Rebel Fashion at the Design Museum 24 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda

EV E N TS N OT TO M I S S I N LO N D O N

E XH I BI T I ON

Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto Until 25 February 2024 V& A S O U T H K E N S I N G T O N The first UK exhibition dedicated to the work of French couturière, Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel, charting the establishment of the House of Chanel and the evolution of her iconic design style which continues to influence the way women dress today.. vam.ac.uk

P H OTO GR APHY

Accidentally Wes Anderson 8 December - 31 January 2024 8 5 O L D B R O M PTO N R OA D , S W 7 A visually captivating journey around the world through the art of photography, this exhibition showcases a collection of over 200 real-life images that exude the charming and eccentric aesthetic of acclaimed film director Wes Anderson. awaexhibition.com

P H OTO G R AP H Y

#MadeBritaingreat U NTI L 3 D EC E MB E R , JG CON TEMPORARY

Curated and photographed by Derrick Santini, this is a visual narrative that honours progressive, humanist, and unique individuals who have contributed significantly to British culture.

The exhibition will showcase portraits spanning over 30 years. jgcontemporary.com

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CULTURE • DIARY

ART

P E RF O RM A N C E

The Nutcracker Until 6 January 2024 TUFF NUT JAZZ CLUB, F E S T I VA L H A L L Nutcracker sees premier dancers of The McOnie Company performing to Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score, reimagined for a live onstage jazz band. Following performances on Thursday – Sunday, audiences are invited to continue their evening at the Tuff Nutt Jazz Club's Nutcracker Nights, with live sessions from leading musicians playing into the night. southbankcentre.co.uk

MU S I C

THE AMY WINEHOUSE BAND 16 & 22 December KO KO Amy's original band led by her long term Musical Director and Bass player Dale Davis (who is also music consultant on the upcoming Amy biopic Back to Black), celebrate her era-defining music and live performances. The joyful and emotional celebrations will be performed by the band who knew her best; who stood alongside her on stages all around the world from the very beginning and helped create her timeless sound. koko.co.uk

TO WATCH Recommended

by Lisa Baker

A

rt lovers and Christmas present seekers take note!

December sees a number of highly collectible print releases in support of worthwhile causes. Renowned figurative artist Lorna May Wadsworth will be launching a new collection of affordable art helping to raise funds for The Murray Parish Trust.

Wadsworth is once again making one hundred pictures available to buy online - individually priced from £100 to £5,000 - with 10 per-cent from the sale of each sale going to the charity.

With the much sought-after artist’s work regularly selling for thousands of pounds, this is a rare chance to buy an original piece or limited-edition print for a fraction of the usual price, while supporting a worthy cause.

Wadsworth is famed for her large-scale portraits of leading figures, from her remarkable painting of Baroness Margaret Thatcher, which sold for £500,000. Other subjects painted from live sittings include Tony Blair, The Archbishop of Canterbury, Michael Sheen, David Tennant and Lily Cole, to name but a few.

This Month’s Must See

onehundred.pictures

ART DECO: AGE OF STYLE AND GLAMOUR

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U NTI L 3 1 JAN UARY 2024, 4 5 PARK LAN E

n exhibition of rare and vintage original posters from the 1910s, 1920s, 1930s onwards.

Each poster displays a dynamic piece of history, ranging from a rare Art Deco style Campari poster by Marcello Nizzoli to an original antique advertising poster by Marius Rossilon, cartoonist, and creator of the Michelin Man. Despite the age of the posters, it is clear that the imagery used still influences contemporary design today.. dorchestercollection.com

Meanwhile Brocket Gallery will release a series of watercolour monoprints and chine collé unique works by Eleanor May Watson. 20% of the proceeds will go to Young London Print Prize - delivering art classes in underfunded schools across the capital, with over 2000 children taking part in the 2023 prize. brocketgallery.com

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Rebel rebel 24

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CULTURE • EXHIBITION LEFT: Sam Smith at the 43rd BRIT Awards 2023. LANDMARK MEDIA/Alamy Stock Photo RIGHT: Matty Bovan, Spring/Summer 2019. Hat Stephen Jones for Matty Bovan, Photo Rebecca Maynes BELOw LEFT: Craig Green, Spring/ Summer 2015 collection, Look 19.

Amy Gwatkin for CRAIG GREEN BELOW: Sinéad O’Dwyer Spring/ Summer 2023 collection at London Fashion Week, Old Selfridges Hotel, 2022. © Chris Yates/Chris Yates Media FAR LEFT: Erdem, Autumn/ Winter 2008. Photo Sølve Sundsbø/Art + Commerce

A new exhibition at the Design Museum celebrates 30 years of supporting British design

By EVE HERBERT

L

ee Alexander McQueen’s first fashion collection was lost soon after being debuted in London in 1993. Now, 30 years later, the Design Museum is telling this story as part of a landmark fashion exhibition. Rebel: 30 Years of London Fashion features nearly 100 innovative fashion looks from ground-breaking debut and early collections from the Newgen alumni. Many of these creations have entered pop-culture history and launched global design careers.

Lee McQueen’s first collection was titled Taxi Driver in reference to the 1976 Martin Scorsese film. Lee created it while living in a council house in Tooting with his friend and collaborator, print designer Simon Ungless. It was unveiled to buyers and reporters on a rail in a hotel room in the Ritz in 1993, but the pieces were later lost outside a nightclub. In a dedicated installation, photographs and ephemera of pubs and clubs set the scene for Lee and Simon's adventures, while Simon has recreated techniques and shapes first

developed for the collection, to offer an indication of their approach to researching and making.

Archive pieces and photographs from later collections demonstrate the legacy of McQueen's early designs, with echoes of their shapes and silhouettes seen throughout later collections.

McQueen was the outstanding talent to emerge from the first cohort of the British Fashion Council's Newgen scheme, and this exhibition celebrates the scheme’s 30th anniversary. All designers featured in the show were supported by it in the early stages of their careers. Newgen was established by the British Fashion Council in 1993 as an initiative to support the best emerging fashion design talent in the UK and build creative, responsible businesses for the future. It has helped nurture the careers of hundreds of designers and businesses, launching many of them onto the international stage. Alumni featured in the exhibition include Lee Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane, Charles Jeffrey, Christopher Raeburn, Erdem, Henry Holland, Kim Jones, J.W. Anderson, Mary Katrantzou, Molly Goddard, Roksanda, Simone Rocha, Stuart A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • EXHIBITION

“Smith’s large, custom-made inflated latex suit made global headlines” Vevers, Priya Ahluwalia, Saul Nash, Grace Wales Bonner, Bianca Saunders and many more.

Exhibition highlights include the swan dress controversially worn by Björk at the 2001 Oscars, Harry Styles’ Steven Stokey Daley outfit from his video for ‘Golden’ and Sam Smith's inflatable latex suit by Harri from this year’s BRIT Awards. Visitors will also see the revolutionary neon collection from Christopher Kane’s debut catwalk collection, the upcycled Union Jack jacket by Russell Sage that was worn by Kate Moss for Vogue, and a vast Molly Goddard blue ruffle dress that went viral on Instagram when worn by pop-superstar Rihanna. A major highlight of the show is Marjan Pejoski’s ‘swan’ dress which was worn to the Oscars in 2001 by Icelandic singer Björk. The eye-catching item generated immediate shock, intrigue and global headlines, but it has since gone on to become one of the most well- known red-carpet looks in history. Pejoski was born in Macedonia and

TOP: Colour Explosion room. Photo Andy Stagg. © the Design Museum.

ABOVE: Louise Gray, Spring/Summer 2011 collection, Look 16. Ian Gavan/Getty Images RIGHT: Harry Styles wearing SS Daley trousers in his “Golden” video, 2021. Photo Harry Lambert

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came to London to take a bachelor's degree at Central Saint Martins. The dress was first unveiled at Pejoski’s NEWGEN runway show in London for Autumn/Winter 2001 where it was spotted by the singer, who also wore it on the cover for her fourth studio album Vespertine.

The now-iconic dress has only ever been on public display twice before — both times in New York — meaning that its display here marks the very first time it has been seen in the city where it was designed and created since it was first unveiled here 22 years ago.

Seven months on from the 2023 BRIT Awards, Sam Smith’s eye-catching red-carpet look goes on public display for the first time.

Smith’s large, custom-made inflated latex suit made global headlines and was created by Harri, the brand belonging to designer Harikrishnan Keezhathil Surendran Pillai. The son of a latex farmer in Kerala, India, Harri came to study menswear at London College of Fashion and set up his business in London in 2020 upon graduation. His latex creations are made on his father’s farm in India. At its heart, the exhibition tells the story of hundreds of fearless young designers, who have transformed the fashion landscape through their talent and brilliance.

The Design Museum has worked directly with these designers to select some of the most important and groundbreaking pieces from their personal archives. The exhibition offers an exploration on how the city’s unique fashion scene has incubated fashion talent, and how they used the capital to launch their success on the global stage. London has nurtured nearly all the Newgen designers since its inception, whether as the place they studied, first showed a collection, or established their network.

Exhibition continues until 11 February 2024 designmuseum.org

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ABSOLUTELY • PROMOTION

T I M E

PLEASE How Pragnell and Rolex are united in the relentless pursuit of perfection

S

ince its founding in Stratford upon Avon, Pragnell has upheld a core principle encapsulated in George Pragnell's declaration: "our knowledge is your safeguard." This enduring commitment to quality and expertise has made Pragnell one of the few remaining family-owned, full-service jewelers in the United Kingdom. Over the years, the Pragnell name has become synonymous with excellence and integrity.

George Pragnell's journey into the world of jewellery was not without its royal connections. In the 1930s and late 1940s, he had the privilege of looking after Queen Mary when she visited Biggs of Maidenhead and Farnham. Building on this experience, he later established his own showroom in Stratfordupon-Avon, which marked the beginning of a flourishing family business. Through marriages and mergers, Pragnell now encompasses several prestigious brands, including George Tarratt (established in 1915), Philip Antrobus (1815), and Waters & Blott (1850).

Today, Pragnell remains under family ownership and operates three showrooms across the UK. They also possess an extensive archive that includes the original sketches of Queen Elizabeth II's engagement ring and the Antrobus bracelet gifted to her

by Prince Philip on their wedding day.

The enduring values of quality and service have fostered a close partnership between Pragnell and Rolex. For 69 years, Pragnell has proudly served as an Official Rolex Retailer, upholding the exacting standards of the Swiss watchmaker. This partnership enables Pragnell to offer a diverse selection of Rolex models in their showrooms located in

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Stratford-upon-Avon, Leicester, and Mayfair.

In a recent development, Pragnell expanded its presence to 14 & 16 Mount Street. This expansion has been a significant undertaking for the family, as they continue a legacy in the jewellery industry dating back to 1850. The demand for a full-service family jeweller in the heart of Mayfair exceeded their expectations.

As a result, they doubled the size of their showroom, enhancing their Rolex and Patek Philippe offerings. The new space provides an immersive and unique experience for customers.

Pragnell takes pride in its unparalleled knowledge, extensive range, and top-tier service. Their team members undergo rigorous training by Rolex, ensuring that they can guide customers in selecting the perfect timepiece and offer maintenance and repair services of the highest quality.

Pragnell is also proud to have a Rolex Authorised Service Centre in Leicester which all showrooms benefit from, ensuring they are well-equipped to care for customers' timepieces.

In the world of watches, Pragnell has observed several macro trends in recent years. Yellow gold has made a significant comeback, supplanting white gold and platinum in many designs, including wedding bands and engagement rings. This resurgence is also seen in the popularity of yellow gold watches, especially among younger collectors who are drawn to the retro aesthetics of the 1930s and 1940s. Rolex has responded to this trend with the release of the 1908 collection, a timepiece inspired by a 1931 Oyster Perpetual, featuring a slimmer design and a nod to the brand's rich tradition.

Pragnell's rich history and dedication to craftsmanship make them a symbol of unwavering quality in the UK jewellery and watch market. pragnell.co.uk

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Poggenpohl has 17 points of sale throughout the UK & Ireland · uk@poggenpohl.com For your nearest Poggenpohl Studio please go to www.poggenpohl.com

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CULTURE • PROMOTION

Set in S T O N E

Unearthing the beauty of rare gemstones with the experts at Roseberys Auctions Q What makes certain gemstones rare?

A Gemstones come to life through

unique geological events and processes. It's all about the right mix of minerals, temperatures, and pressures, creating these stunning crystals with special qualities.

Q Are particular colours rarer than others?

A Yes, though the relative rarity of different colours will depend on the gemstone type.

For example, red is a common colour for garnets, but is an extremely rare variety for beryl. Red beryl is only found in small deposits in certain parts of the USA, and, according to the Utah Geological Survey, only one red beryl is found for every 150,000 diamonds. Other varieties of beryl include aquamarine (light blue beryl) and emerald (green beryl). In its pure form, beryl is colourless, and it’s the presence of tiny amounts of chemical impurities that give these gemstones their colour.

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Q How about size?

A As a general rule of thumb, the larger

the gemstone, the rarer it is, though again this will depend on the gemstone in question. A 20 carat amethyst would not be considered especially rare, but a 20 carat diamond certainly would!

Are rarer gemstones more valuable?

In most cases, but not all cases. Some gems are so rare that there is very little commercial demand. Red beryl is a good example of this though around 100 times rarer than emerald, it is less well know and sought after, so will not command prices that are 100 times those of emerald. The rarity of a gem is a factor in value, but market demand also plays its part.

“As a general rule of thumb, the larger the gemstone, the rarer it is”

Q Does the origin impact the value?

A Certainly. For those gemstones that are

found in multiple localities, stones from one particular locality will demand often a premium. In particular, historic sources often become associated with certain superior qualities, as well as greater rarity, for example sapphires from Kashmir.

Q I'm new to the world of auctions

and wondering where to begin?

A Roseberys is a great place to start. You

can find a fully illustrated Buying and Selling Guide available on Roseberys website. Join us at our Auction Viewing Days, where our approachable and knowledgeable specialists are eager to assist you in a friendly environment. Whether you need valuations for insurance purposes, or are just curious about the value of your items, we offer a wide range of services to fit your needs.

Find a stunning selection of Jewellery & Watches at Roseberys’ 6 December auction. roseberys.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Limited to editions of 280, our newly-commissioned Art Deco posters feature glamorous holiday destinations around the world, ski resorts in the European Alps, and the world’s greatest historic automobiles. Over 100 designs to choose from, all printed on 100% cotton fine art paper, measuring 97 x 65 cms. Priced at £420 each (inc. UK sales tax). Private commissions are also welcome. @pullmaneditionsposters All images and text copyright © Pullman Editions 2023

Pullman Editions 94 Pimlico Road Chelsea London SW1W 8PL +44 (0)20 7730 0547 info@pullmaneditions.com

Our central London gallery

V iew and buy online at www.pullmanedit ions.com AD PULLMAN.indd 31

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CULTURE • PROMOTION PAUL MERTON AS SARAH THE COOK

Grand dame Chatting to Paul Merton about his role in Dick Whittington at Richmond Theatre this Christmas

Q What are you most looking forward to about being in Dick Whittington?

A I'm looking forward immensely to appearing in Dick Whittington at Richmond Theatre as Sarah the Cook. Pantomime is a very traditional form of entertainment, and it's not often that I get involved in traditional forms of entertainment, because when I started as

a comedian in the 1980s I didn't work with older comedians, it was just a bunch of very young people together. So to be following in the footsteps of many famous comedians who have made playing a pantomime Dame a joy for audiences over the years is something - to be a part of that long line is thrilling for me.

Q What is so magical about playing a Dame in a pantomime at Christmas?

A I think playing the part of a Dame in a pantomime, you're given a certain amount of license to ad lib a little bit - or improvise as it's called these days. But there are certain scenes where you've got to play the drama of the scene because you can't, you know, you can't muck around with that. You want to make sure the story is hitting where it needs to be dramatic. I'm playing with my wife Suki, we're both used to improvising, so there may be a few odd lines here or there that fly around, but for the rest of the actors, we will give them their cue lines. But they might have to wait half an hour before they hear them.

Q What do you love about Richmond Theatre?

A Today is the day that we've first got into costume and makeup and met two other members of the cast, but I love standing on stage, looking out into the empty auditorium and just seeing what a beautiful space it is. It gives you a thrill and a real feeling of expectation about appearing here during the Christmas holidays, and that's before the audience comes in. There's something about a really beautifully designed theatre that lifts your spirits as soon as you go in. As soon as you come into somewhere like this, you're already in a good mood before the show starts.

Q Why should people come and see the show?

A I think that Dick Whittington is going to be very funny. There's going to be lots of audience participation. There's a really horrible villainess in there who you can boo, and there's great heroes who you can cheer.

And in Sarah the Cook, you can have one of the most beautiful women ever to appear on stage. I fancy it myself, to be honest.

Dick Whittington plays at Richmond Theatre from Saturday 9 December – Sunday 7 January.

Book today at atgtickets.com/richmond A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • PROMOTION

Public ART The open call for 2024’s Kensington and Chelsea Art Week has begun

T

he annual Kensington + Chelsea Art Week (KCAW) will return for the 7th edition on 20 to 30 June 2024. Along with over a hundred events hosted by organisations located across eight zones of Kensington & Chelsea, from World's End in Chelsea to Knightsbridge, from Golborne Road to Earl's Court, the festival also invites artists, creative organisations and curators to submit sculptural (3-D) installations for the 2024 of KCAW Public Art Trail.

Selected artworks form part of the sculptural Public Art Trail displayed in a variety of public spaces across Kensington and Chelsea for the duration of the Summer 2024. Over 1,000,000 visitors engage with the KCAW Public Art Trail per week.

The annual KCAW Public Art Trail, part of KCAW was founded in 2018 and developed with community consultation. The festival shines a spotlight on the area's unique and unexpected cultural variety, bringing together a multitude of studios, museums, galleries, exhibition spaces, and businesses, and attracts local and international audiences to hundreds of events and installations throughout the area.

The 2024 edition of Art Week colour has been chosen by the advisory board and will step out of its usual four colours, and instead will be purple, to represent a locally curated programme. The 2024 edition of Art Week is focused on locally curated programming. The team is actively inviting local ambassadors to take part in the monthly meetings to share ideas to bring to the front the key cultural events and projects in various areas of Kensinsington + Chelsea.

JOSEPHINE CHIME DETANGLING THE MBS,ONE HOOPERS COURT KNIGHTSBRIDGE PHOTOS BY KATIE EDWARDS, KCAW PUBLIC ART TRAIL 2023

CLOUD WENDY HOUSE BY PETER MORRIS

KCAW PUBLIC ART TRAIL The open call, which closes on 10 January 2024, encourages artists of all backgrounds and at varying stages of their careers to apply to the Open Call and to observe the overarching festival theme of 2024: Changing Landscapes - elected by KCAW Advisory Board as an overarching theme for the festival, dealing with social, geographical as well as digital landscapes, the natural habitats and the human response to the world through the use of AI. KCAW welcomes artists at various stages of their professional careers, from local to national talents and those who have never previously exhibited their work in public. The Kensington + Chelsea Art Week expert team provides comprehensive support, covering installation, public liability, insurance, engineering approvals,

“KCAW welcomes artists at all stages of their careers, from local to national talents” safety inspections, council permissions, and associated expenses related to delivery, installation, display, publicity, and the secure return of artworks to the artist's studio.

Art Trail alumni include Ai Weiwei, Sokari Douglas-Camp OBE, Gavin Turk, Yinka Ilori, Toy Studio, Sir Terry O'Neil, Zak Ové, Baker & Borowski, Laura Ford, LR Vandy, James Capper, Richard Woods, Barnaby Barford, Liz West, Alex Chinneck, Linett Kamala, Azarra Amoy and Nick Hornby.

Shortlisted proposals are evaluated by an elected Art Committee made up of leading names from the visual arts, performance arts, literature, and the media. The committee, which changes every year, verifies that the proposals fit the selection criteria, including their viability for display in the public sphere and safety for public use. kcaw.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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THE INFINITE

AD LIBERTY WINES.indd 36

rarechampagne_official www.rare-champagne.com Drink responsibly

17/11/2023 15:52

FOOD & DRINK

TIME FOR TEA THE LANGHAM

There is no better place to indulge in the timeless tradition of Christmas Afternoon Tea than at The Langham, London where it first began.

To book please call: 020 7636 1000 or email tllon.info@langhamhotels.

Food News 38 • Eating out 41 • Recipes 44 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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WHAT TO DRINK

TASTING NOTES

GRAPE news

London’s food news and most exciting openings this month

By PENDLE HARTE

Fizz recommendations for the month

By THE WINE SOCIETY

Champagne Jules Camuset Brut NV  £26.81 Toasty and lemony on the nose, with fine bubbles and a deceptive lightness of touch, this Champagne is a delicious blend of 55% pinot meunier, 30% pinot noir and 15% chardonnay and the perfect fizz for all kinds of celebrations.

The Society's Celebration Crémant de Loire 2020  £13.31 From the Saumur region of the Loire, there is a large percentage of chardonnay in the blend, which gives the wine its length and delicacy. Light, bone-dry and refreshing, it makes for a delightful aperitif.

The Society's Exhibition English Blanc de Blancs 2018  £28.81 Showing the unmistakable brioche notes that come with age, this 2020 sparkling wine from England's Ridgeview Wine Estate is elegant with great purity.

Since it was founded back in 1874, The Wine Society has dared to do business a little differently. Bringing together a community united by a shared love of wine, The Society is a co-operative and owned by its members. This means there is no requirement to pump profit into annual dividends or bonuses for shareholders – all profits go back into the business.

The Wine Society welcomes all wine lovers.

Become a member today and receive £20 off toward your first order. thewinesociety.com

38

Snow caps V E LV E T P I N E S

Velvet Pines playfully combines the world of fine dining with 70s dinner party references and comforting alpine dishes. In this immersive dining experience from groundbreaking entertainment company Swamp Motel, visitors will be whisked away to a snowcovered mountain resort for a full throttle cabaret and premium menu conjured up by 2023 MasterChef finalist Omar Foster. velvetpines.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

FESTIVE FARE Three Christmas essentials

ALL NIGHTER LA BIBLIOTEQUE

Brunch and more P O R TO B E L LO 1 7 7

Portobello 177 is a new flavour-forward neighbourhood restaurant with an all-day brunch menu. And those on the lookout for an exciting new evening haunt can also enjoy the restaurant and wine bar by night; offering a contemporary sharing style menu for dinner which is big on seasonality with Caribbean and Japanese influences. portobello177.com

LADUREE Ladurée's beautiful limited edition Christmas box features a custom garland design and holds an impressive 27 macarons. £78 laduree.co.uk

A culinary destination with a difference, La Bibliothèque is a restaurant that blends modern luxury with a touch of East London charm, offering a creative menu with Mediterranean and Japanese influences. And with three stylish bedrooms, the boutique hotel will be the first and only luxury accommodation in Haggerston. labiblioteque.co.uk

MELROSE & MORGAN Our award for the best mince pie goes to... Melrose & Morgan. for their buttery, richly spiced deliciousness. £9.95 for six. melroseandmorgan.com

PERFORMANCE

ART

CAFE KITT Y

Your new local T H E B U TC H E R ' S TA P A N D G R I L L

Tom Kerridge is opening The Butcher’s Tap & Grill on Chelsea's Tryon Street this month. The pub will feature a British-centric menu of butcher-cuts, burgers, hot dogs and small bites all sourced from carefully selected producers.

They'll serve a roast every Sunday and a takeaway service will offer classic burgers and hotdogs too. thebutcherstapandgrill.co.uk

C O PA S Copas's delicious award-winning free range whole bronze turkey has plenty of juicy meat and a rich traditional flavour, making it the best of all the birds. From £112 copasturkeys.co.uk

With its iconic and historic location above the bustle of Berwick Street and neon signs of Walker’s Court, Cafe Kitty occupies the first floor of Underbelly Boulevard, a brand-new 200-capacity performance venue in Soho.

The restaurant creates a dining experience like no other. underbellyboulevard.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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OPENING DECEMBER FIND US AT 27 TRYON STREET, CHELSEA, SW3 3LG THEBUTCHERSTAPANDGRILL.CO.UK AD TOM KERRIDGE.indd 40

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FOOD & DRINK • REVIEW

ABSOLUTELY eats out…

“Everything shows skill, consideration and experience” ROWLEY LEIGH AND LAYLOW OWNER TAZ FUSTOK

Chez Rowley AT LAYLOW A new west London residency for iconic chef Rowley Leigh

I

B y PENDLE HARTE

t’s a return to the kitchen for Rowley Leigh, the much-loved chef behind the old Le Cafe Anglais and the long-gone trailblazer Kensington Place.

He’s back with a residency at Golborne Road’s Laylow, the stylish Bella Freud-designed townhouse known for its parties and creative vibe. It’s not the most obvious pairing, but it’s a winning one judging by the busy dining room on our midweek visit.

The space is lovely, with a glamorous, bohemian vibe that’s part 1950s Soho boudoir (tassled

lampshades, velvet booths, ) part Art Deco (monochrome plates, shiny tabletops) and part 21st century Notting Hill with its mixed crowd of ageing Rowley Leigh fans and young party people.

Leigh is in the kitchen, sometimes wondering around the room greeting people, and the menu includes old favourites from his well-known repertoire as well as new Italianleaning dishes that are said to take inspiration from family holidays in Europe. So there’s parmesan custard and anchovy toast, a classic from Le Cafe Anglais, and

FOOD “A bistro with nostalgic dishes and classic technique at its heart”

DECOR Bella Freud’s west London glam

PRICE Main courses £14.40-£34

a traditional steamed Dover sole, as well as the Mediterranean style poulet Antiboise.

To start, we have a beautiful plate of beets, stracciatella, capers and croutons which comprises wafer thin slivers of red and white beets with excellent creamy stracciatella and tiny sharp capers in a sweet, light and lovely mix. Raw sea bass and scallops with fennel, bottarga and lemon is a striking all-white plate of fresh flavours. Then there’s John Dory with purple sprouting broccoli, ceps and beurre blanc, a flawless and classic dish, and Featherblade steak with dripping toast and sauce gribiche: the steak perfectly cooked and sauce gribiche a classic French variation on mayonnaise. A side of brocolli comes with excellent crunchy chilli breadcrumbs, and everything shows skill, consideration and experience.

For pudding there’s a highly alcoholic panna cotta with raspberries and grappa and another Rowley classic: grilled pineapple with coconut ice cream and chilli syrup. The residency continues until 23 Decemberso now’s the time to book.

VERDICT

L AY LOW

Excellent classic dining in a stylish space

10 Golborne Road, W10 laylow.co.uk

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Make A Statement UNLOCK THE MAGIC THIS CHRISTMAS WITH SILENT POOL GIN

silentpooldistillers.com Please enjoy Silent Pool Gin responsibly

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

DRINKS CABINET What to drink this month

By PENDLE HARTE

TOP TIPPLES SPOTLIGHT

SW E E T I E S Sweeties is The Standard Hotel's cocktail bar, discotheque and latenight lounge bringing playful drinks and glorious misbehaviour to the top floor. Think sweet sips and indulgent cocktails surrounded by floorto-ceiling views and a good time soundtrack from an ever-evolving DJ line-up. This one hits the spot.

The ultimate Negroni

standardhotels.com

I

London Negroni with a twist

f someone would ask you to name the 10 most popular cocktails of all time, the Negroni is always in there. It was invented in 1919 by Count Camillo Negroni when he asked for an Americano, but with gin instead of soda water, at Caffé Casoni in Florence. It’s one of the simplest cocktails there is - equal parts of bitter, vermouth and gin. It’s fun to use this as the base and adapt depending on your mood – subbing in the gin for whiskey, vodka or even mezcal. This twist on a negroni uses vodka, cynar (a bittersweet Italian liqueur) and lillet rouge for a sweeter twist on a negroni, but still a balanced version of the original.

SPRITZ AND SOUR P O M E L LO Made from fresh and natural ingredients that are delicately sweet yet with a gentle bitterness, Pomello is extremely versatile and can be made into Spritz, Margarita, Martini or a Sour, making it the perfect bottle to gift as well as the perfect tipple to celebrate with this Christmas. £33

pomello.world

INGREDIENTS

CALIFORNIA SPIRIT G I N AGA I N

Ginagain London Dry Gin brings the warmth of California's Central Valley to England with organic Californian orange peel, specifically imported for distillation, and a spicy cubeb pepper berry finish. Produced in small batches to preserve the orange flavour, Ginagain is a wonderful alternative for lovers of pink gins looking to try something new. .

ginagain.com

• 25ml Ketel one Vodka • 25ml Cynar bitter aperitif • 25ml Lillet Rouge • Orange peel, for garnishing

METHOD 1 Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice, and stir until perfectly chilled 2 Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice and garnish with orange peel.

firmdalehotels.com/a/ restaurants-bars/london/oscarat-charlotte-street-hotel/

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FARM toTABLE Simple, seasonal recipes from a Dorset smallholding Wo r d s J U L I U S R O B E R T S P h o t o g r a p h y E L E N A H E AT H E R W I C K

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E

FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Beetroot soup & three toppings Makes 8 proper bowlfuls

This is one of those recipes my family just live off, a dish we return to again and again, at its heart deeply simple and uplifting. Velvety and voluptuous, this soup bubbles away like a cauldron of lava and is wonderfully nourishing. Seasoned with a little cider vinegar to brighten the earthy richness, it’s a dinner party classic I often serve as a starter because of its striking colour, but it’s equally at home eaten on your knees. I’ve given you three toppings that will bring this soup to life, so you can vary how you eat it depending on what you have to hand.

INGREDIENTS • 1.5kg beetroots • 100ml cider vinegar • 200ml creme fraiche or double cream Your choice of topping • a few slices of smoked eel and a dollop of fiery horseradish sauce • crumbly goat’s cheese and dill • natural yoghurt and toasted cumin seeds

METHOD 1 Start by giving the beets a good scrub in the sink to remove any grit. Don’t peel or trim the tops; you want them intact, to preserve the vivid colour.

2 Place in a large pan and cover with water, then pour in the vinegar and season with a proper handful of salt. Bring to the boil, then set to a simmer with the lid on for about 1 hour, until completely tender. You should be able to easily pierce them to the core with a knife.

3 Take the beets out and leave them to cool in a bowl, but keep all the cooking liquor.

When cool enough to handle, peel off the skins: they should come away easily with a squeeze from your thumb – I think it’s one of the most satisfying jobs in the kitchen, but wear a pair of Marigolds or your hands will be pink for days.

4 Chop the beetroots into quarters and place in a high-speed blender, then top up with a little of the cooking water and blitz into a thick pourable soup. You might need to do this in two or three batches. Taste as you go, as you don’t want to overdo it with the vinegary water, though the vinegar is a key part of the seasoning and cuts through excessive earthiness.

5 Add the creme fraiche while blitzing in the blender and it will lighten and aerate the soup into a lovely velvety texture. It should taste divine and be the most incredible colour, but make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning to get the balance right.

6 Warm back up in a pan, and finish with your chosen toppings. This keeps in the fridge for up to a week, and you can freeze any leftovers for a rainy day.

Epic tarragon roast chicken Serves 5

This is a great roast chicken, the heart of home cooking and one of life’s great pleasures. I relish the ritual, my family’s fight over the wings, the secret chef ’s treats of the oysters, the leftover sandwiches and bubbling stocks. There is no meal that makes me feel more at home. In my mind, there are three keys to a good roast chicken: juicy meat, brown salty skin and, most importantly, a ton of sauce. And it’s the sauce of this chicken that really sets it apart: handfuls of tarragon, lashings of cream and a proper dollop of mustard, which when combined with the cooking juices, garlic and wine, creates a truly epic mouthful.

INGREDIENTS • 1 organic chicken • 3 tbsp olive oil • 1 whole head of garlic • 250ml quality double cream • a 20g bunch of fresh tarragon, stalks removed, roughly chopped • 1 large heaped tbsp Dijon mustard • a glass of dry white wine

METHOD 1 Preheat your oven to 220C fan and start by spatchcocking the chicken.

To do this, turn it over and cut along one side of the spine from the tail to the neck. Then turn it over, open out the two sides and press down hard to flatten it. Your butcher will gladly do this for you.

2 Lay the chicken in a large, highsided roasting tray, season generously with salt on both sides and leave for an hour at room temperature so it loses the chill of the fridge.

3 When ready, generously drizzle the skin with olive oil and work it into all the nooks and crannies. Smash the head of garlic and hide the cloves underneath the chicken, then roast in the oven for 20–30 minutes, until the skin begins to turn golden brown.

4 Meanwhile, mix the cream, tarragon and mustard in a bowl and season well. After 20–30 minutes, turn the oven down to 140C fan, take out the chicken and pour a generous glass of white wine into the tray. Then pour the tarragon cream all over the chicken and place back in the oven for 30–40 minutes until it’s ready.

5 To judge when it’s cooked, I check the deepest part of the thigh with a temperature probe, looking for 65– 70C. If you don’t have one, prod this point with a skewer and ensure the juices run clear. At this point, remove from the oven and leave to rest for 15 minutes, covered loosely with a bit of foil. Carve straight into the tray and serve as you like, with lots of the sauce, garlic and a zingy green salad.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

“The ideal is to end up with a beautiful sauce and plums that still hold their shape” INGREDIENTS

Stewed plums, whipped yoghurt, mint & granola Serves 6 In September the plum tree by the veg patch hangs heavy with fruit, its branches laden like a strained washing line on the brink of collapse. How this small tree produces such bountiful abundance each year bemuses me; often a branch or two fracture under the weight of fruit. We pick them by the basket, teetering on a rickety ladder and battling the wasps, to make jams, gins, chutneys and all sorts.

This recipe is a particular favourite that is just as good for breakfast as it is after a sunny September lunch. I got the idea for the yoghurt folded with whipped cream and honey from the pastry chef Nicola Lamb – it’s a wonderful twist that gives it a lighter and more elegant touch, but I often use labneh instead.

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• 80g quality granola or pistachios • 30g butter • 6–10 plums, depending on size, halved and destoned • 20g golden caster sugar • 60ml Madeira, brandy or sweet sherry • 280ml double cream • 1–2 tbsp runny honey • 350ml natural yoghurt • a couple of sprigs of fresh mint

METHOD 1 Preheat your oven to 160C fan. If using pistachios, pour them into a tray or ovenproof pan and cook for about 10–15 minutes max, until they are toasted and crunchy but not burnt. Set a timer – I always forget.

2 Put a wide frying pan on a mediumhigh heat and add the butter. When it begins to foam, swirl it around, then add the plums, cut side down. Ideally, they should fill the pan. Sprinkle over the sugar and let it gently sizzle so that the plums release their juice, then pour in the Madeira. A lovely thick and unctuous sauce should slowly be created.

3 Before the plums get too soft, turn them over to cook the other side.

The ideal is to end up with a beautiful sauce and plums that still hold their shape but are soft and delicious. So don’t cook them for too long, and add a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick. You need enough for each person to get a spoonful.

4 While the plums are cooking, pour the cream into a large bowl. Whip it until it is light and voluptuous but still has a nice movement to it. Whipping cream perfectly is an art, taking it far enough to create that luxurious feel, but not so far that it begins to solidify.

When ready, drizzle in a tablespoon of honey and add the yoghurt. Gently fold together and taste; you can add a touch more honey, but don’t overdo it.

5 Finally, crush the toasted pistachios, if using, and roughly chop the mint leaves. Spoon a generous dollop of the cream into a bowl and make a crater in the middle. Add two or three warm plum halves and a spoon of the sauce, then top with the granola or pistachios and mint. You can make a lot of this ahead; just slightly underdo the plums so that you can warm them up again without overcooking them. But the active ingredients in the yoghurt will begin to work on the cream if left too long, so I would recommend making that more or less in the moment.

Extracted from The Farm Table by Julius Roberts (Ebury Press, £27)

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Cirque du Soleil and Alegria are trademarks owned by Cirque du Soleil and used under license.

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CHRISTMAS • DRINKS

THE GLENALLACHIE 15-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, £71.50 thewhiskyexchange.com

BLACK LINES Non-alcoholic Shirley Temple, £12 blacklinesdrinks.com

LA BELLE ANGELE Merlot, £18 johnlewis.com

COINTREAU Orange Triple Sec liqueur, £21.99 superiorwinesandspirits.co.uk

DELLA VITE Prosecco Superiore, £22 dellavite.com

HATTINGLEY Luxury gift set, rose, £70 hattingleyvalley.com

BREWDOG

EDITOR’S PICK

Duo Spiced Rum, £25 brewdog.com

ON THE BOTTLE All the best Chrsitmas tipples

By P E N D L E H A R T E

VEUVE CLICQUOT Arrows limited edition collection, £76 veuveclicquot.com

MOËT & CHANDON Moët Imperial, £55 johnlewis.com

SALCOMBE GIN Rose Sainte Marie, £45 salcombegin.com

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F O O D & D R I N K | COFFEE

1

H O T S H O T S FIVE OF THE BEST BEANS AND GRINDS

1

BEAN COUNT KISS THE HIPPO

Serving premium, ethically sourced and sustainably roasted coffees, Kiss the Hippo has just opened a new Chelsea cafe. The signature George Street Blend house espresso is a winner. kissthehippo.com

2

GO SISTER

C A R N I VA L C O F F E E R OA S T E R S

3

This excellent Penge-based roastery is run by a team of real coffee enthusiasts who roast beans daily and fresh to order. We love the Guatemalan Sisterhood espresso for its chocolatey notes. carnivalcoffee.co.uk

3

I N T H E B AG C A R AVA N

Now stocked at Waitrose, Caravan's popular and sustainable coffee comes in pods or ground. The Daily All Day Blend has notes of dark chocolate, hazelnut and shortbread, a classic coffee thick bodied with low acidity and a clean finish. waitrose.com

2 4

5

4

POD LIFE CA FE P OD

The new ground coffee and whole bean line-up from CafePod includes big hitters from their pods range. Indulge in a symphony of flavours with their line-up of six blends, including decaf and half-caff options. cafepod.com

5

B ATC H F R E S H

B AT C H C O F F E E C L U B

Batch Coffee is all about showcasing some of the best coffee in the world. Their best-selling seasonal espresso blend has a smooth milk chocolate taste profile with notes of raisins and mixed nuts. batchcoffee.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Online 60 Days’ Notice Account

5.15 Issue 1

Gross PA / AER*

variable

An online notice account that gives you peace of mind knowing that your money’s working hard for you.

• Only available to open and manage online • 60 days’ notice is required for any withdrawal from your account • Variable rate of interest paid annually • Minimum balance of £1,000 up to £250,000

We

our community

View product information at

harpendenbs.co.uk/online60days Rate current at time of publishing *The gross rate (PA) is the rate before deducting tax at the rate applicable to savings income. The annual equivalent rate (AER) is a notional rate which illustrates what the gross interest rate would be if the interest was paid and added to the account annually. Products and/or rates can be amended or withdrawn at any time.

Online savings accounts are subject to availability.

Harpenden Building Society is a member of the Building Societies Association. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm reference number: 157260.

Scan for product information

FOOD & DRINK • PROMOTION

Festive C E L E B R AT I O N For gatherings big or small, there are lots of options at The Langham, London

A

s the frosty air heralds the approach of the holiday season, The Langham, London, is set to transform into a festive wonderland. The historic hotel will be adorned with lavish decorations, inviting guests to immerse themselves in a celebration of togetherness, feasting, and joy.

CHRISTMAS AT THE GOOD FRONT ROOM Under the culinary stewardship of legendary Michel Roux, The Langham promises a season of exceptional dining experiences across its bars and restaurants. Chef Dom Taylor, renowned for his Caribbean-inspired culinary delights at The Good Front Room, is introducing a unique twist to festive dining. The new menu, running until 23 December, boasts tantalising options that will leave a lasting impression. The Good Front Room is not only offering daily delights

but also exclusive private dining options, complete with signed menus and special appearances by Chef Dom Taylor himself.

THE LANGHAM FESTIVE AFTERNOON TEA IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LIBERTY The Langham Festive Afternoon Tea, served since 1865, has been reimagined with Liberty in mind, resulting in a menu that is a visual and gastronomic delight.

The Liberty Jewelled Egg Bauble and the Golden Slice are among the show-stopping treats that await guests. As an added bonus, patrons will receive a 15% discount card to indulge in a Liberty shopping spree.

THOSE SPECIAL DAYS On Christmas Day, Palm Court offers an extravagant five-course lunch, blending seasonal favourites with luxurious flair.

Meanwhile, The Wigmore provides a more relaxed setting with a family-style fourcourse lunch, offering a festive respite

for all. Should you be looking to organise a get-together during December, The Wigmore also offers versatile private rooms that can cater for parties big and small.

As the year draws to a close, ring in the New Year with a crescendo of celebrations.

From a sophisticated New Year's Eve party at Artesian, the world-renowned cocktail bar, to a vibrant dining experience at The Good Front Room, the options are as diverse as the celebrations themselves.

The Langham, London promises a Christmas season that transcends the ordinary. With a plethora of culinary delights and enchanting decorations, the hotel invites guests to revel in the magic of the season and create cherished memories in the heart of London.

For information or to book, call 020 7636 1000 or email tllon.info@langhamhotels.com The Langham, London | 1C Portland Place, London W1B 1JA. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FA S H I O N

New Looks WOLFORD

Dior silhouettes inspiredby Mexico are captured by photographer Brigitte Niedermair for the Cruise 24 collection. Full skirts unfurl into corollas and are worn with huipils, or architectural jackets embellished with refined guipure, co-created with local artisans. dior.com

Diamonds and sparkles from Graff 56 • Engagement rings 61 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Magical

ARKLE Graff's Christmas gemstones are an enthralling mix of emeralds, rubies, and diamonds – both yellow and white

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKAEL JANSSON S T Y L I N G B Y E M M A N U E L L E A LT G R A F F.CO M

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

For Keeps

Start dropping hints about these standout engagement rings B y C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

TOMFOOLERY LONDON

JEMMA WYNNE

MICHELLE OH

18K yellow gold and diamond ring, £14,795 tomfoolerylondon.co.uk

Prive luxe Isadora ring made with platinum and diamonds , Price on Request jemmawynne.com

18K yellow gold, yellow sapphire and diamond ring, Price on Request michelle-oh.com

GRAFF

SHAHLA KARIMI

BRIONY RAYMOND

3.78ct fancy yellow radiant cut diamond ring with yellow pavé diamond surround and band (5.45cts), Price on Request graff.com

14K yellow gold and diamond ring, £6,100 shahlakarimi.com

Sloan solitaire ring made with 18K yellow gold and a yellow diamond, Price on Request brionyraymond.com

GROWN BRILLIANCE

AKAILA REID

ARTËMER

18K white gold Milan ring with 8.19 carats of lab grown diamonds, £13,160 grownbrilliance.com

Triple gypset ring 18K yellow gold with 1.34 carats of diamonds, £7157 akailareid.com

18K yellow gold, morganite and diamond ring, £4000 tomfoolerylondon.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Find us a t L ib er t y London Regent St ree t London W1B 5A H Ground f lo or AT EL I ER V M .COM

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FASHION • PARTNERSHIP

“It's a creative solution to our environmental crisis rather than giving up what you love”

SKY’S

THE LIMIT

Gift a more brilliant tomorrow with Skydiamond...

Absolutely uncovers the story behind the company

I

magine a Christmas promise of a brighter tomorrow for people and the planet – say it with the magic of a Skydiamond, the world’s first carbonnegative certified diamond, born from the sky to protect the Earth.

Each individual piece of Skydiamond jewellery is handcrafted in the Cotswolds, just down the road and over the hills from the diamond-making facility. This father-son duo has been working in the industry for over half a century and has built a highly skilled team of craftspeople who proudly ensure each piece is exceptional.

By going back to nature for the answers, Skydiamond offers another way; a creative solution to our environmental crisis

rather than giving up what you love.

To do this, they have made unrelenting efforts and innovations, building their own future-facing, patented process to make the precious stones; it fuses carbon captured from the atmosphere with harvested rainwater, which is then heated and pressurised in a process powered by solar and wind power – fully measurable negative emissions achieved by design, instead of unreliable offsetting. Plus, they are more traceable and eco-friendlier than standard lab-grown diamonds.

Skydiamond has already appeared in collaborations with iconic names such as Steven Webster and Gucci. This bluesky thinking was the ingenuity of ecoentrepreneur and environmentalist Dale

Vince OBE and sits within his growing portfolio of green innovations. Dale came up with the idea for Skydiamond while thinking about how to remove CO2 from the atmosphere on a planetary scale, and about how to store it in the most permanent way. A diamond is the ultimate form of carbon, which led to the simple idea to take carbon from the atmosphere and use it to make diamonds. It took five years of R&D to create and perfect the process to turn atmospheric carbon into actual diamonds.

In creating this method they’ve set a new industrial standard fit for the 21st century.

This is a brilliant future we can all aspire to. We just need to set our imaginations free. @skymineddiamond skydiamond.com

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Welcome to True Skin Innovation

Liverpool - Harley Street - North Wales | 0151 558 0742 / 020 8191 2811 | amanda@amandaazzopardi.co.uk | amandaazzopardi.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

Spice island DOLCE & GABBANA Made in Italy to the rigorous standards of high perfumery, Dolce & Gabbana's Devotion comes from master perfumer Olivier Cresp. Luminous in the top notes and sensual in the base notes, the freshness of orange flowers meets the sweetness of Madagascar vanilla, while candied citrus gives a tempting gourmand touch. Katy Perry loves it. dolcegabbana.com

Make up trends 75 • Fitness notes 77 • Beauty notes 79 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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COUTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS YOUR TIMELINE TO THE PARTY SEASON Doctor Nyla is a skin specialist, trusted by TV personalities, well-known celebrity figures and some of Britain’s most familiar faces in the media industry. Founder and Medical Director of Doctor Nyla Medispa is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP and is considered one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country. Having practised medicine for over 20 years and having personally delivered over 200,000 treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration of the industry.

COUTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS SIX WEEKS TO GO

Reshape redefine and relax into your body nonsurgically with no downtime, just in time for Christmas!

CoolSculpting

Doctor Nyla Medispa have the latest technologies to help contour and transform the body. The CoolSculpting Elite is even more powerful and with larger sized applicators to freeze even more fat - the results are seen even quicker than traditional CoolSculpting.

One of the best things about CoolSculpting Elite is that we can treat two areas at once. You can have both arms treated at the same time, making the treatment much more efficient for busy lifestyles. With the treatment typically taking 35 minutes, and results noticeable within 3 weeks.

Emerald Laser

Emerald laser is an FDA Market-Cleared full body fat loss treatment that allows clients to target areas of stubborn fat. Emerald Laser treats overall body circumference and is the only device FDA cleared to treat those with a BMI of over 30.

Applied externally, the laser targets excess fat by emulsifying fatty tissue through the use of cold laser technology developed by Erchonia. It provides an alternative fat loss treatment without the adverse side effects associated with surgical and other weight loss procedures like liposuction and body wraps.

follow us on @doctornyla | 0162 552 3307 | 0800 009 6661 For treatment or FREE consultation please contact Medispa or visit www.doctornyla.com

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COUTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS SIX WEEKS TO GO

If your after a jawline or brow lift this can take around 30 minutes, with results starting to show at 6 weeks!

Transformation faceliftTM

Most patients only need one treatment for results that can last over a year. However, based on the degree of skin laxity, the biological response to ultrasound and radio frequency technology can vary. For maximum benefit, we suggest you explore our revolutionary transformation facelift, which combines a number of energy based devices to give you a natural yet, highly effective, overall lifting and tightening of the face and neck.

The Transformation Facelift™ is a bespoke treatment from Doctor Nyla, unique to her clinics and combining a variety of incredible anti-ageing treatments to make you look and feel 10 years younger in the space of only six weeks! The next generation, multiplatform transformational facial offered exclusively at Dr Nyla. This treatment offers non-surgical skin tightening and lifting to treat all antiageing concerns – from textured, dull skin, to deep wrinkles and loss of laxity.

COUTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS FOUR WEEKS TO GO Emface Emsculpt

EMFACE is a revolution in facial treatments.

By emitting both synchronized RF and HIFESTM energies, it simultaneously affects the facial skin and muscles. The end result is less wrinkles and more lift naturally without needles. Best of all, EMFACE treats full face in only 20 minutes.

Emsculpt is the only procedure which helps women and men build muscle and burn fat simultaneously. In addition, Emsculpt provides the world’s first non-invasive buttock lift. Emsculpt is based on highintensity focused electromagnetic energy.

COUTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS TWO WEEKS TO GO

So to avoid any embarrassing, bruises or tell-tale sign from your injectables it’s essential that these treatments are done two weeks prior to the all-important Christmas party

Botox

Dermal filler

Botox is an anti-wrinkle treatment that works by blocking impulses to tiny facial muscles, thereby reducing the prominence of expression lines and achieving a more youthful, radiant look. You may lose tone and natural elasticity of the skin as you age, causing wrinkles, fine lines, and folds to appear.

Injectable Hyaluronic acid based dermal fillers can restore, revolumise and rejuvenate these facial lines and augment the appearance of the face – safely and effectively offering a refreshed appearance and look.

Envy facial

The best thing you can do to get your skin ready the week of your party events, we recommend booking yourself in for an Envy facial to give you that glow you are after! Getting a envy facial a few days before your Christmas party is the perfect time to allow your skin time to heal and refresh it’s renewal cycle. Envy Facial is the only face and body skin-resurfacing treatment to gently yet effectively exfoliate damaged skin cells.

Medispa Mayfair 32 Dover Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4NE

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Majestic Fitness ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP Special Offer!

ONLY £850 FOR 12 MONTHS - (join now and save £230!)

No joining fee!

G E T

R E A D Y

F O R

T H E

U L T I M A T E

What's included: • Unlimited access to state-of-the-art facilities and top-quality Technogym equipment.

• Cycling Studio equipped with Group Cycle Connect Bikes • Separate saunas for men and women, ensuring privacy and comfort.

• Unlimited fitness classes. Choose from over 280 fitness activities every month! From high-intensity workouts, soothing yoga sessions, boxing, energetic dance classes, Disco Hills Run Club and more!

To learn more about this fantastic offer and secure your Annual Gym Membership, visit www.majesticfitness.com or give them a call at 020 887 8634. Please note that this offer is valid for new members only, and spots are limited.

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G Y M

E X P E R I E N C E !

020 8876 8634 www.majesticfitness.com @majesticfitnessrichmond Unit 1, Dairy Court, Orchard Rd, Richmond, TW9 4FG

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

HUDA BEAUTY Pretty Grunge Eyeshadow Palette, £62 hudabeauty.com

PAT MCGRATH LABS LUST Gloss in 'Blitz Gold', £28 patmcgrath.com

RARE BEAUTY

IMAGE: CHANTECAILLE

Positive Light Liquid Luminizer in 'Outshine', £27 rarebeauty.com

HOURGLASS

DRUNK ELEPHANT

VIEVE

Limited Edition Ambient Lighting Edit Palette, £86 hourglasscosmetics.co.uk

B-Goldi™ Bright Drops, £33 drunkelephant.co.uk

The Ultimate Glow Duo, £63 spacenk.com

MILK MAKEUP Odyssey Lip Oil Gloss in 'Deep Rose Shimmer', £26 milkmakeup.com

EDITOR’S PICK

TIME TO SHINE Party season is here and it's time to get glowing B y C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

CHANTECAILLE Radient Glow Blur Powder, Precious Metal Collection, £92 chantecaille.com

CHARLOTTE TILBURY Pillow Talk On The Go Kit, £43 spacenk.com

GLOSSIER Mini Cloud Paint Duo, £23 glossier.com

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30-Day iFIT Family Subscription Included*

RW700 Rowing Machine Ergonomic SoftTouch™ handle Auto-adjusting digital resistance

S700 Elliptical 22 digital resistance levels 31 pre-set workout programmes

Was £1,699 | Now £749

Was £1,299

Now £599

IC1 Group Exercise Bike 18kg aluminium flywheel Friction resistance system

Was £745 | Now £495

Walking Pad Hit your daily step count at home Folds completely in half for handy storage

List Price £699 | Our Price £449

SelectTech 552i Dumbbells (pair) Replace 15 sets of dumbbells with just one pair Adjust your weights between 2-24kg

List Price £599

Our Price £399

Quote ABLON1223 for exclusive in-store deals

UNWRAP OUR CHRISTMAS OFFERS Got a fitness lover among your family and friends? Get them something they’ll really love this year from our range of Christmas offers, featuring unbeatable deals on cardio and strength products from the industry’s biggest brands. Don’t forget you can try these products out, and hundreds more too, for yourself at your nearest store!

DISCOVER OUR RANGE OF TREADMILLS, BIKES, CROSS TRAINERS, RACKS, WEIGHTS & BARBELLS Try Before You Buy

Expert In-Store Advice

Never Beaten on Price

Visit us at Hyde House, The Hyde, Colindale, NW9 6LH or call 0203 3708 855

0% Finance Available †

Scan here for store locator

Prices may vary, see website for current prices. † Subject to age and status. *Paid subscription required after trial. Compatible with NordicTrack machines only.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS

FITNESS

TOP

PICKS

NOTES

THREE HIKING STAPLES

By CARLY GLENDINNING

WARM UP This half-zip top is designed to keep the chills out, making the perfect layer for hiking. Soft and warm, the fabric is treated with a plant seed-based finish to help wick sweat as you climb to your destination. £88. lululemon.co.uk

SUPER

TR AINER

ALL DAY EXPLORING This waterproof hiking boot is designed for all trails, and to withstand all weather conditions.

With excellent heel stability and Missiongrip™ technology, you'll feel secure on the most uneven terrain. £190. on-running.com

STAY WARM Filled with responsibly-sourced down for unbeatable warmth, this jacket is ideal for cold, wet days on the trail. It also has clever FlashDry™ technology, which wicks away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable if you start to sweat. £315. thenorthface.co.uk

Carly Glendinning meets celebrity personal trainer and founder of LDM Louisa Drake

I

's Friday and I’m sitting in the waiting area at UNTIL in Soho, home to London's top health and wellness professionals. I’m here to meet Louisa Drake, founder of the Louisa Drake Method, and known for training celebrities from Gwynth Paltrow to Rooney Mara. Louisa bounds around the corner, with a huge smile and I warm to her immediately. She puts me through my paces on the reformer Pilates machine and takes me through exercises with free weights, Pilates resistance bands, and a ball.

As I perform each movement, Louisa assesses my strengths and weaknesses, checking which side feels more comfortable.

We discuss my fitness goals and areas I want to improve (I

have a toddler, so it’s my core and pelvic floor). “I’m already making a mental note of which LDM videos will be great for you”, she says as I get ready to leave. The following week, an incredibly detailed fitness plan with nutritional guidelines, as well as notes about my weaker areas and how to improve them, lands in my inbox. Armed with my LDM Total Workout Kit, I'm all set to log onto the LDM platform and start training. With a background as a professional dancer, choreographer, and movement coach, Louisa's programme is fusion of Pilates, yoga, barre, and HIIT. She's recommended I aim for three full-body strength and resistance based sessions and two-three HIIT/

cardio sessions per week.

Before meeting Louisa, I think I might have found this a bit daunting, but I'm so fired up after our session that I stick to it and find myself really enjoying it. The videos are led by different LDM instructors and I try a combination of 'Barre', 'Sculpt', 'Refine, Core' and Louisa's signature 'Shape Changer' classes. I've noticed a huge difference in a few short weeks and I'd highly recommend a one-to-one with Louisa to supercharge your routine.

Access to the LDM Virtual Studio starts from £20 a month. One-to-one session pricing on request; louisadrake.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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GIVE THE GIFT OF HEALTH THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

12-month full body health programme

150 data points linked to key health areas

Repeat testing after 6 months

Order today at randoxhealth.com/gift-cards AD RANDOX.indd + Absolutely London74 Christmas Gift Card Full Page.indd 1

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G

REVIEW

Waterhouse Young

MARINE DREAM

GlowGetter Skin Cocktail Facial

I

I S H GA

Presented in luxurious packaging that nods to the 10 year anniversary of Ishga, the Hydra+ Marine Cream contains Hebridean seaweed extract, which is rich in antioxidants to deepy rejuvenate the skin. £125. ishga.com

EDITOR’S PICK

WRAP IT UP Q +A

A super cute stocking filler for beauty obsessives, the Body Heroes Christmas Cracker from Q+A contains a three-step regime to keep skin hydrated all winter long. £12. qandaskin.com

H A IR HERO LEONOR GREYL

This hardworking pre-shampoo treatment helps to detangle, deeply soften, and revive hair. It also provides protection against the elements as well as damage from day-to-day sun exposure and pollution. £34.

’ve just come back from a trip to Portugal when I visit the Waterhouse Young clinic just off Harley Street. My pale skin has a smattering of summer freckles, despite the fact that I wear factor 50 SPF all year around.

I’m in to see Dr Paris Acharya for the ‘GlowGetter’ facial, and she tells me it’s perfect for targeting sun damage and pigmentation – leaving the skin brighter, tighter, and hydrated.

Dr Paris calls the treatment a ‘skin cocktail’, as it uses WOW fusion 24K gold plated needling to insert a tailored blend of ingredients into the epidermal and dermal junction of the skin.

As I lie back on the bed, she deftly works away, explaining that the treatment delivers a bespoke blend of vitamins including B complex, C and E; alongside minerals such as calcium and magnesium, the antioxidant glutathione, amino acids and hyaluronic acid for maximum results. The antioxidants target sun damage, repairing the skin from within.

Dr Paris advises that I don’t wear make-up or use any other products on my face at the very least until the next day. I’m surprised at how good my skin looks straight afterwards, and there’s very little reaction or redness at all.

A few days after I can really notice the results and my skin looks plump, hydrated and definitely has a noticeable glow. Now a few weeks since the treatment, my skin looks more even and any pigmentation seems to have faded. I’d definitely recommend booking in with Dr Paris.

WATERHOUSE YOUNG Devonshire Street, £600

waterhouseyoung.com

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Dem en care tia

All types of funding welcome

No health insurance needed

Welcoming new residents at your local Bupa care homes

Lynton Hall Care Home New Malden KT3 5EE

With care, safety and friendship

We’re here to help make your search for a care home easier. In our homes, you can expect a safe, welcoming environment, where we encourage independence while offering a helping hand. We get to know everyone, offer a range of sociable activities, and most of all, a place to call home.

Nursing | Residential | Short stay

Call us for advice on care today

020 3797 0021

Lines are open 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 12.30pm Saturday. Closed Sundays and bank holidays.

Calls are charged at no more than local rate and count towards any inclusive minutes from mobiles. We may record or monitor our calls.

Ashley Park Care Home West Clandon, Guildford GU4 7SU 109060 UNI

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

Festive

SKIN BEFORE AND AFTER PROFHILO (COURTESY OF DR HEMA SUNDARAM AND DR ANTONELLO TATEO)

Dr Kim reviews some non-surgical treatments to firm your neck and jawline in time for party season

O

ur faces are lies and our necks are the truth. You have to cut open a redwood tree to see how old it is, but you wouldn’t have to if it had a neck”.

If Nora Ephron’s sentiment resonates with you then you may be considering neck-firming treatments before donning your festive frocks. The skin on our neck and decollete is prone to premature ageing, making the desire to tighten these areas more of a priority as we age. It has fewer oil glands and is up to three times thinner than the skin on your face, meaning that it lacks the regenerative capacity to bounce back when damaged.

Skin can look papery or develop a mottled discoloration, leaving your neck and chest area looking much older than your face.

A good start is to use a cream developed specifically for the neck, looking out for

growth factors, peptides and retinol as well as ingredients to help manage discoloration if that is a concern for you.

SKIN BOOSTERS Profhilo® is one of the most requested rejuvenation treatments and is particularly good for the neck and décolleté. It is much more than simply an injectable moisturiser, and is referred to as a biorevitaliser - a cleverly designed hyaluronic acid treatment that diffuses through facial tissues to help restore firmness and texture and give you back your youthful, luminous glow. If you have pronounced lines across your neck known as neck bands, your clinic may offer a Nefertiti Lift and there are specially designed skin boosters that can be injected directly into these lines to help smooth them out.

AFTER

PIGMENTATION TREATMENTS Mixed modality medical lasers are an excellent choice for managing pigmentation along with general skin tightening and resurfacing. These are best conducted in the winter months and are always combined with specialised skin pigmentation regimens to protect, enhance and maintain your results.

SHRINK YOUR DOUBLE-CHIN Injectable fat dissolving treatments remain popular in spite of the swelling and lengthy recovery time but you can be left with loose “turkey neck” skin. Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling combined with a targeted RF fat reduction treatment can be highly effective in reducing your double-chin and firming the skin along your jawline at the same time.

CHISEL YOUR JAWLINE

BEFORE

stimulation to lift the midface and tighten the SMAS layer in the lower face for a noticeable lifting, firming and tightening along the jawline, face and neck. The addition of a skin resurfacing treatment helps manage discoloration and even out skin tone.

You’ll have seen the hype around the the Lumenis TriLift, a celebrity-promoted non-surgical face lift in the US. Known as the Lipofirm Med+ in the UK, it combines radiofrequency with clever dynamic muscle

D R K I M P R E S C OT T practices Aesthetic Medicine in Surrey and London, along with clinical research, lecturing and training in Aesthetic Medicine.

If you have any questions about clinics in your area offering the treatments discussed, please Dr Kim on drkim@psmd.co.uk / Drkpclinic.co.uk @dr.kimprescott /01372 819850

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

SKIN D

E

E

P

Create true confidence from within with Amanda Azzopardi

AMANDA AZZOPARDI

T BFORE

AFTER

BFORE

AFTER

“Amanda Azzopardi stands as a leading provider of aesthetic treatments” 78

hroughout your ageing journey, many hormonal stages will affect the way we age, the strength of our bones, joints and skin health. We start to lose collagen, fat and bone density.

From hair loss to pelvic floor dysfunction, to joint and ligament pain, from the hormones during pregnancy to menopause later on…

It all affects our ageing journey, but you can take control of your ageing journey.

Amanda Azzopardi ANP/INP has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, including 11 years as a midwife.

She founded her own aesthetics clinic, which is CQC registered and provides treatments addressing the ageing process for both men and women.

With extensive experience and a genuine approach to client care, Amanda Azzopardi stands as a leading provider of aesthetic treatments. The Amanda Azzopardi Clinic has been rated ‘Good’ in their latest CQC inspection, a testament to the high standards of service and care offered. As an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Prescriber, Amanda offers tailored treatments with a commitment to ensuring every patient feels their best. Her approach is thorough: starting with an indepth consultation, she crafts a personalised treatment plan designed to enhance and rejuvenate each patient’s natural features.

Amanda and her team are involved in consistent advance training, with high safety standards and professionalism throughout the patient journey.

TREATMENTS AVAILABLE INCLUDE: SKIN • Scanning analysis • Prescribed skincare • Mole and skin tag removal • Red and Blue Light Therapy • Resurfacing peels FACE • Quadripolar radio frequency • Anti wrinkle injections • Threads • Dermal filler • Profhilo HAIR RESTORATION • Exosomes • LaseMD Ultra • IPRF • TrichoTest BODY WELLNESS • IV nutritional therapy • Intimate vaginal rejuvenation • Spider veins • Tattoo removal • Cellulite and body tightening • Hormonal testing for men and women • Menopause advice • Weight management • Enriched oxygen body contouring • Lymphatic drainage Amanda Azzopardi is offering a welcome 20% off – quote LMAG to take advantage of this offer.

For more information, call 0151 558 0742 or 020 8191 2811 amanda@amandaazzopardi.co.uk

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PIPER-HEIDSIECK PAVES A NEW WAY IN CHAMPAGNE

BY ACHIEVING THE B CORP SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION.

AD LIBERTY WINES.indd 79 PH-BCORP Presse SP 230x310 ENG.indd 1

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ROC K STE ADY CARL HANSEN & SØN

Carl Hansen & Søn has been manufacturing Hans J. Wegner furniture for more than 70 years and now the company is adding the CH45 rocking chair from 1965 to its extensive collection. page 90

inside this section T O P 1 0 : C H R I S T M A S D E C O R AT I O N S p 8 2 GIFTS FOR HOMEBODIES p85 WA S T E LE S S D E S I G N p 8 8 C A M I L L E WA L A L A’ S N E W L A M P p 9 3

I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H

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GLAD TIDINGS 10 of the best...

Christmas decorations

SPELL CHECK

Spell your Christmas wishes out in these wonderland scene wooden light-up monogram decorations, £56 anthropologie.com

COMPILED BY PENDLE HARTE

HELLO KITTY

Almost as cute as an actual basket of kittens, this felt decoration is one of the delightful decs at the Raj Tent Club. rajtentclub.com

STRUNG OUT

You can never have too many garlands. Hang them everywhere – on mantlepieces, over banisters, along shelves. We love this tasselled cotton one, £86 anthropologie.com

ON THE PULL

Emma Shipley’s gorgeous Lynx Luxury crackers are hand made in Dorset and feature her most popular print. Inside are a selection of magical stainless steel trinkets. £65 for six. emmajshipley.com

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H O M E | TOP TEN

MARBLE RUN

Ferm Living’s marble baubles have been dip-dyed in one of four marbled colours and come with a beautiful ribbon. £25 for eight. fermliving.co.uk

CIRCLE OF LIFE

This stylish wreath is made on a hoop of wooden beads with faux foliage. £35 johnlewis.com

ROCK STARS

Introducing carnival chic style to your Christmas tree, these large hanging stars features panels of red with gold stars and panels of black and gold checkered patterns for maximum decorative impact. £22 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

BAUBLE BAUBLE

Petra Palumbo’s colourful mouthblown baubles are very special and make the perfect gifts too. £58 petrapalumbo.com

I HEART CHRISTMAS

Carl Hansen’s stylish Christmas hearts are crafted in oak left over from furniture production. carlhansen.com

ART OF GLASS HK Living’s mid-century look adds character to these timeless and carefully designed glassornaments, while the warm colours add a nostalgic feel. hkliving.com

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H O M E | GIFTS

EMMA J SHIPLEY Polar Dewberry & Cardamom Diffuser, £105 emmajshipley.com

LAYERED Evelina Kroon Canola oversized blanket, £600 layeredinterior.com

JONATHAN ADLER Mustique Disc Urn, £150 jonathanadler.com

LOU ROTA X ANTHROPOLOGIE Twelve Days of Christmas Dessert Plate £20 anthropologie.com

JP'S ORIGINALS The Speciality Tea Collection, £32 jpsoriginals.com

PARKER ROX Amethyst Geode cave, £90.00 parkerrox.co.uk

DIRTEA Pure Mushroom powders, £39.99 dirteaworld.com

Gifts for

HOMES

DISCOTHEQUE Wag Club candle, £54 discothequefragrances,.com

LUSSO STONE Vassoni Carrara marble dog bowl, £117 lussostone.com

All wrapped up for interiors lovers WINEWIZARD Smart 3-in-1 wine aerator, £49.95 wineware.co.uk

EUCAN HOME PULLMAN EDITIONS Art Deco poster, £420 pullmaneditions.com

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Sunflower mug and saucer, £50 koibird.com

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Hans J. Wegner

1965

CARLHANSEN.COM

Retail prices incl. VAT.

NORDIC SIMPLICITY

CH45 Rocking Chair

The CH45 Rocking Chair was created for Carl Hansen & Søn in 1965 as part of a more extensive series of furniture, carrying the distinct hallmarks of a Hans J. Wegner design. Wegner’s rocking chair displays a careful balance of poise and elegance with a modern Nordic aesthetic. Price: from £1,912

Flagship Store, London 48A Pimlico Road, Belgravia London, SW1W 8LP london@carlhansen.com

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Monday - Friday: 10 am - 6 pm Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm +44 0 (20) 7730 8454

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H O M E | NEWS

CREATIVE

N E W LU X E DOME DECO

Sweetpea and Willow has just announced that it is Dome Deco's first UK stockist. The collections are stylish and luxurious, spanning furniture, lighting and accessories. sweetpeaandwillow.com

R E V I E W Updates from the industry Compiled by P E N D L E H A R T E

IN THE SHADE POOKY

Pooky has launched a curated collection of patterned shades, a debut collaboration with GP&J Baker. The four designs come in multiple brilliant colourways and a range of sizes. pooky.com

NORTHERN LIGHT

MOON SHINE

C O AT PA I N T S

Coat's Alderley Edge is a warm sandstone paint colour with pink undertone, one of the Colours of Arley collaboration that consists of two shades inspired by the city of Manchester.

GAB R I EL SCOT T

Scott Richler started out as a jewellery designer before turning his hand to lighting, which he sees as “like large-scale jewellery for a home.” The Luna collection (pictured) is a glamorous reference to the moon’s diffused light and soft glow. Visit the Mayfair showroom to view the exquisite collections. gabriel-scott.com

coatpaints.com

WA R M U P S T O OV

The idea is so simple we wonder why we didn't think of it ourselves. Stoov's heated cushions are rechargeable and heat up immeditately for a bit of sofa warmth, or while at work. What's not to like? stoov.com

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WASTE

NOT Making things out of rubbish is the future.

Absolutely talks to Tom Meades of gomi about his sustainable design philosophy Words P E N D L E H A R T E

I

n the current climate, it’s meaningless to think about design without considering sustainability. An unsustainable design just can’t be considered a good design, however good it looks or however well it functions, because a fundamental brief remains unfulfilled. And since it’s common for products to be billed as sustainable even when the justification for it is flimsy, it’s up to all of us to pay attention.

Tom Meades is co-founder of gomi, an awardwinning sustainable design studio that has put into production a speaker made entirely from waste products – even including batteries. Not only that, but it’s designed to be endlessly repairable too in a move to challenge the built-in obsolescence of most tech products. The brand's aim is to find “equitable solutions to our throwaway culture” and they are doing pretty well.

Meades says: "We were sick of the amount of waste created by the consumer electronics industry, around 34 million tonnes per year, and over 80% of that material either goes to landfill or is burned. By 2050 that figure is meant to almost quadruple."

The speaker collection is designed and handmade in the UK, and gives new life to over six tonnes of waste material, with each speaker made from the equivalent of 44 plastic bags alongside second-life e-bike batteries ("from

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broken-down bikes around London"). The methodology is smart too – "in our process we only melt the material at very low temperatures, which means that the polymer chains don't break as much, so we do not downcycle the material, but instead can recycle it over and over again. This means if someone ever wanted to trade in their old design for an upgrade, they could do so easily and we can reuse the material."

The limited edition collection features three colourways in the design studio’s signature marbling pattern, each one part of a unique ‘one of one’ numbered edition, which makes them into collectible works of art. Meades says: “We think of our aesthetic as a collision between Dieter Rams and Picasso. Every material and design decision is filtered through our thinking 'can it be repaired easily, can it be recycled easily' this is why we're anti-glue, pro-modularity, and proudly repair-for-life. We are proving that there is a process to recycling properly, that we can create exciting products from waste, and bring beauty and individuality into tech.”

No sacrifice has been made in terms of quality: the speakers have been calibrated to deliver superior sound quality and you can pair them together for a surround sound experience too. These are beautiful and unique futureproof objects made entirely from rubbish. What’s not to like?

gomi.design

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H O M E | DESIGN

We think of our aesthetic as a collision between Dieter Rams and Picasso

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R O C K

S T A R Carl Hansen & Søn, which has been manufacturing Hans J. Wegner furniture for more than 70 years, is now adding the CH45 rocking chair from 1965 to its collection

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H O M E | PROMOTION

Hans J. Wegner was fascinated with designing rocking chairs

H

ans J. Wegner, known as the 'Master of the Chair', was a pioneering Danish furniture architect. During his career he created around 500 chairs, including masterpieces such as the CH24 Wishbone Chair, the CH07 Shell Chair and the CH25 Lounge Chair. Wegner typically designed chairs in pairs with different variations: for example, one dining chair with armrests and one without. However, in the mid-1960s, he designed an entire furniture series for Carl Hansen & Son consisting of 13 unique items, including the CH45 Rocking Chair, which was only manufactured for a short period of time.

This furniture series has a distinct Wegner identity as well as a wider Nordic expression in its pure simplicity. Today, several pieces from the series are still in production at Carl Hansen & Son, including the CH44 Lounge Chair, the CH46 and CH47 Dining Chairs and the CH53 Stool. These are now accompanied by the CH45 Rocking Chair.

Hans J. Wegner was fascinated with designing rocking chairs and, as always, he took a methodical approach to his design. As a result, the CH45 Rocking Chair is perfectly proportioned, so one can sit relaxed and rock easily, but can also rise effortlessly from the chair. The

reclining backrest adds a dynamic expression, and kinship with the rest of the series is evident in the shaped bars, the envelope-patterned seat of paper cord and the uniquely curved armrests. These design elements are classically Wegner. The grooves at the top of the backrest are also a typical Wegner detail, as they not only appear decorative but can also be used as suspension for a neck pillow. The CH45 Rocking Chair is crafted at Carl Hansen & Son in Gelsted in Denmark. Here, all surfaces are carefully hand-polished by the skilled craftsmen, who also weave the seat from 213 metres of paper cord, a time-consuming process of around 1.5 hours.

Craftsmanship is the trademark of Carl Hansen & Son, and third-generation owner and CEO Knud Erik Hansen says: "We know Wegner's design and craftsmanship down to the last detail - from the advanced joints and organic shapes to the various weaving techniques that Wegner developed." As with all relaunches of Hans J. Wegner, the CH45 Rocking Chair has been created in close collaboration with Hans J. Wegner's Design Studio, which safeguards his design heritage today.

CA R L H A N S E N & S Ø N Carl Hansen & Søn Flagship store 48A Pimlico Road, London SW1W 8LP carlhansen.com

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H O T L A V A

What do Duran Duran, Camille Walala and Rankin have in common? They have all designed a lava lamp, of course Words P E N D L E H A R T E

T

he lava lamp turned 60 this year – but its spirit remains as youthful as ever. Founded in 1963 by British inventor, entrepreneur and eccentric Edward Craven Walker, the company has produced and sold millions of its iconic lava lamps globally from its Dorset base, gaining a host of awards and cult following along the way.

Since 1963, each Lava Lamp has been made in Britain – from the spun metal that gives them their distinctive form, the packaging and the glass bottles, to the liquids inside. Hand-filled in the Poole factory, each lamp is made with a unique (and secret) Mathmos lava lamp formula that delivers bright, clear colours.

Made with quality and designed to last, Mathmos continues to create replacement bottles and bulbs for all its lamps from the 1960s to the present day. Craven Walker’s tireless dedication to perfecting the formulation of the lamp until his death in 2000 ensured a legacy of the best quality lava lamps globally, with the highest standards of safety testing.

The Astro was the first Lava Lamp in 1963, and it has been in continuous British production for 60 years. To celebrate the company's 60th anniversary, as well as the Astro Lava Lamp’s enduring quality of design and relevance through the years, Mathmos partnered with creatives from across the fashion and design industries to take it into the future including Rankin, Sabine Marcelis, Studio Job, Camille Walala and Duran Duran, each of whom has designed their very own lamp.

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H O M E | FOCUS

DURAN DURAN'S LAVA LAMP

CAMILLE WALALA

Camille Walala on the lava lamp Q Do you have any memories connected to lava lamps?

A I always wanted one when I was a child.

It was the epitome of cool.

“Each lamp is filled with a unique and secret formula”

Q Much of your work involves colour and shapes, which are important features of the lamps. How did you go about designing one?

A It was quite challenging to customise the lamp itself, as the surface is quite minimal. I didn’t want to overdo it. I created many variations of what patterns could work well on the base, added a little pattern to the metal work and of course picked my favourite colour and oil combination. As well as choosing what cord would look good with my choice of detail.

Q The box looks great too. Tell us about that.

A Thank you! The graphics are based on my “putting things in perspective” series. It’s a series of artworks that I have been working on since the pandemic was finally over.

I have created a language of shapes for the series. They have been created from the study of some of my favourite architectural works around the world.

mathmos.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Contemporary, reliable and expertly crafted swimming pools

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H O M E | TREND MINIFORMS Illo Coffee Table, £520 gomodern.co.uk

BOBBI BECK GINGER RAY

Brown Geometric Zen Garden Pattern Wallpaper Mural, £32 bobbibeck.com

Merry and Bright Dinner Candles, £7.95 gingerray.co.uk

ROSE & GREY Braided Tulip Basket, £35 roseandgrey.co.uk

SAZY Rosta Stackable Aluminium Chair, £99 sazy.com

M ER RY & BRIGHT

EBB & FLOW Horizon Surface Wall Lamp, £279 limelace.co.uk

Bold colours for a bit of seasonal cheer

By P E N D L E H A R T E

PALAVA Napkin Set Red Cave, £14.50 palava.co

BODE LIVING Duo Red Photo Frame, £22.50 bode-living.com

VARIER LIGNE ROSET HAY Neon tube LED light, £65 skandium.com

Coupole table lamp, £184 ariashop.co.uk

Ekstrem Chair in knitted velvet, £2,699 backinaction.co.uk

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When it comes to choosing the right carpets and rugs for your home and office spaces you can rely on us

RUG STORE specialise in a wide selection of new, old and Antique Persian, Turkish, Caucasian and Turkmen Carpets.

Various antique, old and new Kilims are available.

We offer a professional hand-cleaning and restoration service.

We buy old and antique carpets - even damaged rugs. Part exchange and evaluations.

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SBI Ltd has been providing all of your shelter and shading requirements, since 1998

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Verandas • Glass Rooms • Awnings • Pergolas Carports • Solar Garage Doors & Shutters • Parasols • Conservatory Sail Blinds Glass Wind Screens for patios, awnings, verandas and parasols !

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H O M E | FOCUS

A C T I O N

STATION ALL PICTURES SHOW BREAKFAST PANTRIES BY DAVENPORT

Why you need a special breakfast cupboard in your kitchen

By P E A R L B OY D

“Of course, a breakfast station doesn't need to be limited to breakfast alone”

B

reakfast cupboards are a major new development in kitchen design. Essentially a clever larder, the concept is designed to keep all breakfast equipment together in one space that’s easy to access and equally easy to close away.

Richard Davonport of Davonport, explains in more detail: “A breakfast station is a great way of having everything you need for a busy family breakfast all in one place. Normally concealed behind doors such as pocket, bifold or normal cupboard doors, the doors are opened up to reveal everything you need.Each breakfast station is fully customisable, but you’ll generally find items for making hot drinks, a toaster – which sometimes is on a pull-out shelf to make using it easy – along with cereal containers, crockery, and other breakfast items such as condiments.

As they typically host small appliances, concealed plug sockets will be installed at the back of the cupboard so that they can be used in situ without the need to pull them out and plug them in.”

Having a designated breakfast station contributes to better kitchen organisation.

Not only does it minimise clutter and keep your kitchen tidy, but it can foster independence in children by allowing them to participate in preparing their own breakfast. This not only teaches them essential kitchen skills but also instills a

sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency.

Optimising space is another crucial benefit. If you have unused counter space or a nook in your kitchen, a breakfast station can make excellent use of that area. This not only maximises the efficiency of your kitchen but also frees up counter space in other parts of the room.

Of course, a breakfast station doesn't need to be limited to breakfast alone. It can serve multiple functions, depending on your needs. For example, it can double as a coffee or tea station, a smoothie bar, or a space for meal prep beyond breakfast.

A well-designed breakfast station is an attractive feature for any new kitchen.

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Upholstery Design Services

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BLIND AND CURTAIN SHOWROOM Refresh your home with new curtains and blinds made from a wonderful collection of fabrics, including designers Sanderson, Harlequin, Romo and more Bespoke Luxaflex blinds including SmartHome integration Browse and buy our gifts online at www.curtain-call.co.uk Curtains and Blinds by Appointment Only Opening Hours: Tues-Sat 10am to 5pm 52 Friars Stile Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6NQ 020 8332 6250 • www.curtain-call.co.uk info@curtain-call.co.uk CURTAIN _CALL_HP_ABS_APR2023.indd 1

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HOME • CALENDARS EDITOR’S PICK

NOBLE MACMILLAN Leather diaries, £59 noblemacmillan.com

ANNABEL JAMES Family Organiser, £12.95 annabeljames.co.uk

CRISPIN FINN The Day pad, £16.50 crispinfi nn.com

LUNA AND FERN Lunar Calendar Wolf, £12 lunaandfern.com

THE COMPLETIST Juno daily planner, £35 the-completist.com

AIM STUDIO Personalised Diary Planner, £26 aimstudio.co

MAKE A DATE Planners, calendars and diaries for the year ahead B y PENDLE HARTE

AIM STUDIO A6 Calendar Cards with Wooden Stand, £15 aimstudio.co

SMYTHSON MAKING MEADOWS Floral Tiger Weekly Planner Desk Pad, £11.5 makingmeadows.co.uk

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Portobello diary, £250 smythson.com

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TRAVEL

SUN LOVERS MEDITERRANEAN DREAMS

Boxing Day is when people start thinking about their summer holidays, according to internet search statistics, and January is when people book. Hot destinations for 2024 include Italy, France, Greece and Spain as usual. And villa holidays are more popular than ever.

Win a luxury stay in York 103 • Simpson's villas 104 • Scottish weddings 107 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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TRAVEL • COMPETITION

WORTH

£450 “A luxury gateway for guests to immerse themselves in York's rich history and vibrant culture" THE GRAND HOTEL, YORK

WIN A STAY A T T H E G R A N D H O T E L, Y O R K We are offering one lucky winner a night’s stay at York’s only five-star hotel, The Grand, York for two people

T

he Grand, York is an iconic destination combining timeless elegance and contemporary luxury.

Nestled in the heart of York, one of England’s most historic and vibrant cities, the hotel offers an unrivalled experience for city breakers.

With its stunning architecture and the team’s dedication to providing true Yorkshire hospitality, The Grand offers a luxury gateway for guests to immerse themselves in the rich history and vibrant culture of York.

One of the standout features of the hotel is its exceptional dining options. From the Michelin recognised and 3 AA Rosette winning restaurant. Not lony that but, the hotel also prides itself on a state-of-the-art Cookery

School, a culinary haven where aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts can embark on a journey of immersive learning and creativity.

The hotel boasts 207 magnificent bedrooms, from elegantly appointed rooms to opulent suites, each meticulously designed. The hotel also includes a fitness centre, a tranquil spa offering rejuvenating treatments, and a dedicated concierge team. thegrandyork.co.uk instagram.com/thegrandyork

PRIZE INCLUDES...

Bed and breakfast for two people with an evening of finedining at 3 AA Rosette-awarded restaurant, Legacy, and spa access. absolutelymagazines.com/thegrandyork Subject to availability. Must be redeemed before 31 March 2024. Excludes Bank Holidays and Saturdays.

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TRAVEL • PROMOTION

Discover S I M P S O N T R A V E L

VILLA XENI

The trademark personal service ensures a seamless experience

S

impson Travel is an awardwinning specialist tour operator with an industry heritage of over 40 years.

Their carefully curated portfolio of award-winning villas and boutique hotels in idyllic European and Mediterranean destinations is delivered alongside exceptional service, bringing you a holiday experience that is far more than

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SIMPSON VILLAS From romantic retreats to expansive country houses, Simpson Travel’s award-winning villas are unique; hand-picked in outstanding locations to reflect the needs of their clients.

SIMPSON KIDS

SIMPSON KIDS

THE THOUGHTFUL EXTRAS…

The Simpson Kids collection offers a wealth of solutions for the perfect family holiday, from expert childcare and supervised activities to private villas with fenced pools and garden games.

When you book a package holiday with Simpson Travel, you’ll enjoy a host of complimentary extras and their trademark personal service ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. And with 40 years of luxury travel experience to count on, you can book with confidence, knowing your holiday is in the safest of hands.

SIMPSON EXCLUSIVE When only the best will do, the Simpson Travel exclusive collection showcases the most exceptional villas with immaculate interiors, matchless views, and a dedicated concierge to take care of all the details from the very beginning.

SIMPSON HOTELS Distinctive, charming and truly individual, Simpson Hotels enjoy spectacular locations and exceptional service, whether you’re after a luxurious Adult Only hideaway or a family-friendly beachfront setting with a little complimentary childcare.

Included in each Simpson Travel package:

• A hold bag and a cabin bag for every airline passenger • 0% excess on your hire car insurance • Boat transfers as necessary • A welcome pack waiting at the villa • Dedicated UK and overseas concierge services • Use of Simpson Travel pool and beach towels • Login details for The Simpson Travel App • ABTA bonding, ATOL protection. simpsontravel.com

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A quick costume change and winter is ready to dazzle.

THE G R E AT E ST S H OW IN EARTH L I V E AT W I S L E Y

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TRAVEL • WEDDINGS

Highland E X P E R I E N C E How weddings at Achnagairn Castle are truly extraordinary affairs

“THE MAGNIFICENT VAULTED BALLROOM WAS BUILT IN 1912 FOR THE THEN OWNER’S 21ST BIRTHDAY PARTY ”

A

chnagairn Castle is a private wedding venue in the Highlands, bursting with character. Nestled on a private 5* estate outside Inverness, weddings always last two nights or more, to allow you the time to really drink things in.

There are several core principles to Achnagairn’s approach to make weddings truly extraordinary: • Total flexibility: it’s your wedding. It should be exactly as you’d like it. Whether perfectly intimate or gloriously decadent, it’s up to you.

• Glorious spaces: Achnagairn’s design is one of its USPs. The ballroom is the ideal romantic spot for your ceremony, meal and to dance the night away for up to 200 people.

• Something so special shouldn’t be over in a flash: have a relaxed meal on the first night for everyone to meet and mingle; the magical day of the wedding itself, and time for breakfast together the morning after.

• Space for everyone: Achnagairn can sleep up to 130 guests, with 24 luxury castle bedrooms and a further 35 rooms on the estate. No need for taxis at midnight!

• The best of traditions: from kilts to ceilidhs

and Highland Games to Hog Roasts, build in memorable activities for your Scottish wedding.

• A unique location: you might not be from the Highlands, or even from Scotland, but a weekend at Achnagairn is unforgettable. The castle is easy to get to from across the UK – just half an hour from Inverness airport.

THE BALLROOM

The castle as it now stands was built circa 1812, but in 1912 it had a rather significant addition: the magnificent vaulted ballroom, which was built for the then owner’s 21st birthday party. The only one of its kind in the Highlands, you could not hope for a more magical place to tie the knot.

THE ROOMS

Each bedroom on the estate is unique, individually designed with its own name and theme. Some are more traditional: wood panelled and luxurious, with four-poster beds and original antiques; others are quirkier and more contemporary. The bridal suite, Happily Ever After, is a haven of calm, a suite of 70 square metres, suffused in light and boasting an enormous four-poster bed. perfect-manors.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Always a Classic.

Designed to last a lifetime, these minimalist bottles have kept people hydrated and happy for years. Our vacuum-insulated Classic is the solution for both cold and hot beverages on the go. This iconic bottle is proof that reusables never go out of style. kleankanteen.co.uk

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E D U C AT I O N

STRONG VALUES DULWICH PREP

At Dulwich Prep, the school's values sow the seeds of possibility in the mind, heart and spirit of each boy and create the right culture and the right conditions to allow these possibilities to flourish and become real.. dulwichpreplondon.org

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EDUCATION • TALKING HEAD

PUPILS AT ST GEORGE'S SCHOOL, ASCOT

The changing face of

BOARDING Liz Hewer, Head of St George’s School, Ascot on modern ways to board

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or many, the traditional image of boarding school might elicit visions of waving goodbye to your child at the beginning of term and not seeing them again until an exeat weekend or even the holidays. But times and lifestyles have (thankfully) changed, and families are looking to schools to provide a superb all-round education that they are a part of, alongside solutions to the challenges of busy, working lives. Many schools now offer much more flexible boarding options with flexi- and weekly boarding alongside full boarding providing a range of benefits to children and their families.

Boarding as a concept has wide appeal.

From a child’s perspective there is the draw of daily sleep-overs with friends, pizza parties, sports, games and activities and no time is wasted travelling to and from school. It also gives them the opportunity to live and work in a different environment

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to home, with extended access to specialist staff and spaces such as libraries, sporting facilities, art and music rooms. For families based in cities, it can also mean schooling in a more rural area with the green space and extensive grounds that an urban day school cannot provide.

Flexible boarding gives parents the opportunity to choose the nights that fit best with any school activities or their own commitments, and adapt their choices during their time at school. For example, during exam periods, boarding during the week saves on travel time which can then be devoted to study. Or for sociable teens, it can simply give pupils more time in the week for friends and hobbies so that weekends can be dedicated to family time.

For parents who need to travel for work, or have evening commitments, boarding on occasional nights, sometimes at short notice, can really help manage a busy family life and give pupils a fantastic opportunity to get a taste of boarding. As an added

bonus, all meals, homework and laundry are taken care of during the week, and there is no battling over bedtimes or handing in phones as everyone is doing the same thing.

For London families, a flexible approach to boarding is particularly useful. For example, many of the boarders at St George’s, Ascot travel from central London: a weekly bus service from Kensington and Chiswick departs from school on a Friday evening and returns on Sunday evening, allowing boarders to maximise their home time, and minimising travel time for parents.

Others opt to use our daily services to Hammersmith and Richmond, or combine these with some days travelling on the bus and some nights in the boarding house which can increase as a pupil goes through the school. At St George’s we often find that many day pupils opt to board in some form as they progress through school, which is ideal preparation for the independence required for life after school, at university and beyond.

Gone are the days of families having to choose simply between boarding and day school options. This new and flexible approach to modern boarding offers a hybrid model to suit the individual and, importantly, gives children and parents the best of both worlds. stgeorges-ascot.org.uk

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queen ethelburga’s collegiate, york welcoming students 3 months to 19 years boarders from year 3

excellent facilities & results

over 100 enrichment clubs

open mornings:

27th january, 9th march & 27th april 2024

book your place at www.qe.org admissions@qe.org - 01423 333333

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EDUCATION • TALKING HEAD

School FOR LIFE Katharine Woodcock, Headmistress of Francis Holland School, Regent’s Park, on beyondthe-timetable education that builds skills for life

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he landscape of education is changing – and the speed of this change is accelerating – yet the way in which we assess the extraordinary achievements of our pupils has not. GCSE and A-level results still open important doors, but examination results are not the only important outcome of a 21st-century education that should be considered relevant. Character education, emotional intelligence, soft skills, creativity, a love of learning, digital literacy, to name but a few, are important for a holistic and well-rounded schooling.

A curriculum for life is now integral to ensuring that pupils leave school with the requisite toolkit to thrive. This curriculum puts as much emphasis on the importance of what happens within the classroom and academic results as it does on what happens outside the classroom. At Francis Holland School, Regent’s Park, we strive to be strong in every area, be that music, drama, sport or the arts. Our sense of community and inclusivity comes from the belief that every girl should be visible,

“Every girl should be visible, celebrated for her individual strengths and not moulded into something she isn’t” 112

KATHARINE WOODCOCK WITH FHS REGENT’S PARK PUPILS

celebrated for her individual strengths and not moulded into something she isn’t.

Lifelong friendships are forged at FHS, not just within year groups but across the years. All aspects of school life afford pupils with ways in which to develop selfconfidence and self-discipline, empowering them every step of the way. We want them to be curious and foster a lifelong love of learning, but also to be future ready and future proofed. A balanced and enriching co-curricular programme will only serve to enhance an education, tapping into talents and passions, whilst academic enrichment deepens knowledge, broadens horizons and provides invaluable time for critical thinking as well as healthy debate and discussion.

The launch last year of our Hale Lecture Series, named after our first speaker and the first female President of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, Baroness Lady Hale, enables our students to lead panel discussions on a range of important topics, whilst also bringing students together from a range of different schools. Sixth Form electives, our bespoke global horizons programme, financial and digital literacy sessions and opportunities to invent, innovate and design are all examples of how education today is not only

timetabled subjects, but also schooling for life.

The values, culture and ethos of a school are also paramount and our four pillars of knowledge, compassion, perseverance and spirit underpin all that we do, ensuring that we are character building. Creativity and empathy lie at the heart of what it means to be human and we want our pupils to be the difference we need right now in the world: to be kind to themselves and others, to give back. Our Help Fund, which supports our chosen charities, encourages our pupils to do just this, and is complemented by our partnerships and outreach programme.

Our goal is that pupils leave FHS with leadership, problem-solving and lateral thinking skills that set them apart, while also knowing the importance of compassion and humility in all that they go on to achieve. The landscape of education may be changing but it is a privilege and an honour to help the minds of tomorrow embrace this change, giving them the best possible springboard to future success and happiness.

K AT H A R I N E WO O D CO C K Headmistress FHS Regent’s Park

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Senior School Opening 2025 We are now accepting registrations for 2025 and 2026 deferred Year 9 Entry Registration Deadline: Friday 5 January 2024

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Strive for Excellence Fulham School is an independent co-educational school for children aged 3 to 18. www.fulham.school

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

PUPIL SUKIE DELL WITH HER BOOK

Smart

MOVE A Year 4 pupil at Sarum Hall has written a book to support children with dyslexia

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Year 4 pupil at Sarum Hall School with dyslexia has surprised the teacher who taught her when she was just five years old by dedicating her book ‘Being Dyslexic’ to her.

The book is a short story written and illustrated by Sukie Dell who is now 8 years old. It documents Sukie’s experiences and feelings at school and aims to help and inspire other children who may be struggling to cope with their dyslexia. The back cover states ‘Being dyslexic is hard,

but if you work hard you can do anything’.

Sukie says: “I was diagnosed with dyslexia when I was 6 years old. It had a big impact on my life and school, but I know that I was surrounded by my friends, special people, and my family. I wrote this book to help other dyslexic children realise that they are smart in their own way.”

Miss Paul, Sukie’s Year 1 teacher says: “I was overwhelmed when Sukie dedicated her book to me. Sukie is an excellent story teller with a wonderful imagination.

It was really important to me that her dyslexia should not be a barrier to her

future learning. I’m delighted that she has published her first book, and I hope there will be many more to come!”

The school offers individualised support to pupils with dyslexia and uses a variety of teaching strategies to ensure children have the confidence and skills to succeed.

Miss Karen Coles, Headmistress at Sarum Hall School, says: “We are incredibly proud of Sukie. She has demonstrated great courage and resilience throughout her time at Sarum Hall School. We strive to encourage pupils to help each other, and this book is a wonderful demonstration of Sukie’s kindness in wishing to help other children who might be struggling to overcome some of the obstacles she has faced.”

The book is available via Amazon, with profits going to the British Dyslexia Association SA R U M H A L L S C H O O L is an independent girl’s prep school in London’s Belsize Park. The modern building was purpose built in 1995 and children benefit from large, spacious and light classrooms which promote creativity and curiosity in learning. The girls have a variety of lessons with specialist teachers alongside the core subjects of English, Maths and Science, including Sports, Music, Art, Drama, Computing and Chess, which allow the children to excel in a variety of fields. sarumhallschool.co.uk

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Make it a Christmas

you won’t forget with

Coming to

Channel 4 this Christmas!

Explore Mog’s world at www.tigermogandfriends.com AD HARPER COLLINS.indd 116

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SPECI A L ISSUE absolutely-mama.co.uk

In this section:

GIFTS FOR KIDS

Presents to make their faces light up

•

BABY’S FIRST CHRISTMAS Extra special gifts for babies

•

GIFTS FOR PARENTS

Perfect presents for mums and dad

DUVET DAYS

The cosiest footmuff we’ve ever seen, getting out and about in chilly weather with your little one is easy with the Puffmuff from Binibamba. Super snuggly and also environmentally friendly, it’s made with a recycled, GRS certified and PFC-free outer. binibamba.com @binibamba

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MERI MERI Tree Cape Costume, £112; merimeri.co.uk

ROCKAHULA KIDS Reindeer Ears Headband, £8; rockahulakids.com STYCH Borg Bucket Bag, £22; stychaccessories.com

DJECO Pomea Doll, £38.99; tickety-boo. co.uk

STAPELSTEIN Original Rainbow Classic, £154; thekidcollective.co.uk

MOU Eskimo boots, £159; mou-online.com

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KIDS Presents to light up little faces on Christmas morning

a Mames lov SCOOT AND RIDE Highwaykick 1, £114.95 sorenshouse.co.uk

MABEL & FOX Your children will have hours of imaginative play with this Little Dutch coffee corner wooden play set as they push the buttons, turn the knobs and use a coffee pod to serve your fresh cup of coffee. £44.99; mabelandfox.com

LE TOY VAN Large Play Kitchen, £319.95; letoyvan.co.uk

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MERI MERI Gold Sparkle Cape, £75; merimeri.co.uk

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mam a GIFT GUIDE 5 of the be s t

CHRISTMAS PJS

DJECO Sports Watch, £28.95; tickety-boo.co.uk

BOBUX A heritage boot that delivers comfort, practicality, and style, the Jodhpur in luxurious boysenberry suede is perfect for the festive season. £65; bobux.co.uk

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FROG BIKES Give the gift of adventure with the award-winning Frog 40 kids' bike – the perfect ride for 3 to 4-year-olds ready to pedal! £380; frogbikes.co.uk

LIEWOOD Drawing Board, £42; liewood.com

VOXBLOCK Immerse young minds in a world of stories with Voxblock, the screen-free audiobook player for kids aged 3-12.

Starter Pack includes a player, three stories and protective bumper. £59.99; voxblock.co.uk

LITTLE DUTCH Toolbench, £120; scandiborn.co.uk

3 4 5 1. Smock London, Nightingale Dress, £59; smocklondon.com 2. Sleepy Doe X Fortnum & Mason, Kids PJ Set, £32; sleepydoe.com

MY FIRST YEARS Personalised Train Set, £86 childrensalon.com

3. MORI, Festive Print Pyjamas, £33.50; babymori.com 4. Liewood, Christmas Pyjamas, £45; liewood.com 5. Sukun, Pyjama Set - Lemon Cream, £32; sukun.co.uk

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Timely stories for families everywhere this Christmas

A heart-warming book to welcome new arrivals to our world

A moving story of parent and child building their life together

A powerful and thought-provoking book of humanity and hope for readers of all ages A unique look at life on Earth to inspire curious young minds

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mama GIFT GUIDE Edit o pickr's

LITTLE DUTCH Baby Walker, £75; kidly.co.uk

JABADABADO Stacking Toy Teddy, £18; kidly.co.uk

COASTAL BABY This fun Christmas Pudding Bobble Hat complete with festive knitted holly and finished with an adorable pom pom makes a super cute festive accessory. £18; coastalbaby.co.uk

BIBS Pacifier, £4.50; and Bandana, £13; bibsworld.com

MIFFY Recycled Yellow Miff y, £32; acornandpip.com

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LIEWOOD Stocking, £38; liewood.com

BABIES NOBODINOZ Baby Bouncer Frame, £150; scandiborn.co.uk

Adorable presents for baby's first Christmas

a Mames lov

BINIBAMBA Merino Snugglesuit, £89; binibamba.com THE LITTLE SOCK CO Get ready for some adorable, twinning holiday fun! Mini me's will love matching their grown-ups with this sock-tastic Christmas Gift Set. £14.95; thelittlesockcompany.com

PABOBO BY ANGELCARE This super cute, plush whale projector, with underwater displays and soothing aquatic lullabies is the perfect Christmas present for newborn babies onwards. £45; amazon.co.uk

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mama GIFT GUIDE a Mames v lo

FINNSØN Eco Travel Changing Mat, £39; finnson.com

IMAGE: CLAUDE & CO

CISSY WEARS Natalia Bagniewska Morning Print, £75; cissywears.com

AMBAR Felted Lambswool Hot Water Bottle, £75; glassette.com

EARL OF EAST Atlas Cedar Air Freshener, £12; earlofeast.com

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DAD

HAY Cotton Wash Cloth, £7; earlofeast.com

Stylish picks for the man of the house

DOMESTIC SCIENCE Retro Socks, £9.95; domesticsciencehome.co.uk

BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Mini, £88.90; babybjorn.co.uk

REBLOUSTUDIO Cactus Mug, £51; earlofeast.com

Edit o pickr's

CISSY WEARS Printworks Play Chess, £28; cissywears.com

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mam a GIFT GUIDE MERCI MAMAN Personalised Compass Necklace, £89; mercimamanboutique.com

OYOY LIVING DESIGN Hatto Lamp, £240; oyoylivingdesign.co.uk

PHOTO: CLAUDE & CO

MAISON DEUX Checkerboard Blanket, £151; maisondeux.com

&KLEVERING Vase Slice, £35; earlofeast.com

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MUM Covet-worthy gifts we're adding to our wishlists

JEM + BEA Puff y Pouch, £25; jemandbea.com

a Mams e lov

MOU Sheepskin Slippers, £85; mou-online.com

FINNSØN Oversized Changing Bag, £69; finnson.co.uk

Editor pick 's

EARL OF EAST Wildflower Candle, £24; earlofeast.com

CHIARA PERANO Fico Print, From £75; ciao-chiara.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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*BEST MARKET OFFER

1% Sales Fee ends 31/3/24 VAT INCLUSIVE *based on local Shepherd’s Bush agents

Where Property Meets Purpose Robbin and Celine, two local moms with over 40+ years of combined property experience, offering a real A to Z customer service.

They will provide bespoke services to achieve a top price or find you the best property that fits your family’s needs.

For each house sold, a donation is made to a local charity partner.

SALES

•

LETTINGS

SEARCH

•

Get Your FREE Valuation today!

0208 106 9646

AD PROPERTY MOMS.indd 124

•

hello@thepropertymoms.co.uk

•

www.thepropertymoms.co.uk

17/11/2023 14:04

PROPERTY

his stunning seven bedroom home on the

HENLEY DRIVE KT2 GUIDE PRICE

£2,500,000

Coombe Roads Estate has been T private renovated with great attention to detail.

Flooded with light, the spacious house offers fantastic family living space, landscaped gardens, a plunge pool and wine cellar.

Henley Drive is conveniently located for excellent state and independent schools, and a short drive to both Wimbledon and Kingston-upon-Thames.

360, Coombe Road, SW20 0RJ

020 8947 1100 robertholmes.co.uk

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A b inge r Road, W4

£1,846 per week A ddison Gardens, W14

£2,000 per week

ocated on a uiet street, a detached ve bedroom house in excellent ituated moments from hepherds Bush, this remarkable home is condition throughout. The family home includes two receptions surrounded by superb amenities. ffering substantial living, there are rooms and a contemporary open plan kitchen, energy rating d. four bedrooms and two reception rooms, energy rating d.

020 8472 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

E sm ond Grove , W4

020 7603 0603 brookgreenlettings@fletcherestates.com

£2,065 per week St Marys Grove , W4

n a popular tree-lined street in the heart of Chiswick, an attractive semi-detached house with ve bedrooms. etaining grand period features, the property is full of charm and elegance, energy rating e.

020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

W l b

£1,152 per week

This ve bedroom house provides flexible accommodation across three floors. et in a sought after area, the home has a large kitchen leading out onto a charming patio garden, energy rating e.

020 8742 4100 chiswicklettings@fletcherestates.com

fletcherestates.com

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P a g

k

e

3 m

Redcliffe Gardens, SW10 Within an imposing villa, this two bedroom apartment has been tastefully designed to create a luxurious home. Complete with well-maintained Victorian features, high ceilings and a feature bay window overlooking the communal garden, energy rating d.

£1,575,000 020 7603 1415 brookgreensales@fletcherestates.com

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0 m

Queens Mansions, W6 Positioned in one of the most desirable mansion blocks overlooking Brook Green, a split-level apartment which has been meticulously renovated. The property offers two bedrooms and a generous reception room as well as a south facing terrace, energy rating d.

£1,350,000 020 8987 3000 chiswicksales@fletcherestates.com

fletcherestates.com

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Marryat Road, Wimbledon Village

£9,975,000

St Mary’s Road, Wimbledon Village

£5,185,000

A house of great quality with a lift in one of Wimbledon Village’s finest roads near the High Street and the Common 2 reception rooms, cinema room, games room, 2 studies, kitchen/ dining room, 7 bedrooms, 6 bath/shower rooms, 1 bedroom annexe, 111’ southerly garden, garage & driveway parking ER/C

A spacious contemporary house in a good location near the Village and within a short walk of the town centre, shops and excellent schools 2 reception rooms, kitchen/dining/family room, 6 bedrooms, 4 bath/shower rooms, dressing room, multi-purpose room, garden studio/office with kitchen area and WC, gated driveway parking ER/B

Somerset Road, Wimbledon Common

Putney Park Avenue, Putney

£6,495,000

A beautiful period house with self-contained annexe in a prime location near the AELTC, Wimbledon Common and the Village Double drawing room, dining room, family room, kitchen/breakfast room, TV room, 6 bedrooms, office, 5 bath/shower rooms, landscaped garden, carriage drive and integral garage ER/C

£4,050,000

A handsome and substantial double fronted family house in a sought after private road with a large West facing garden Double drawing room, 2 reception rooms, 2 kitchen/breakfast rooms, annexe with reception, kitchen, bedroom & bathroom, 8 further bedrooms, 4 further bath/shower rooms, garage and store room with room above, driveway parking ER/C and D

Wimbledon Village Office Sales: 020 8947 9833 Lettings: 020 8879 9669 AD ROBERT HOLMES.indd 128

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www.robertholmes.co.uk

Woodlands Avenue, KT3

£1,425,000

An immaculately presented house that has been comprehensively refurbished to the highest standards, balancing period detail with modern flair. The house particularly features an exquisite studio with full width glass Crittal doors leading to the courtyard and garden.

The private and well stocked, west-facing garden is especially wonderful with a large lawn and a wooded area. The house offers plenty of opportunity to extend (STPP) and is ideally located in Coombeside EPC rating - F (37)

Coombe Office Sales: 020 8947 1100 AD ROBERT HOLMES.indd 129

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PROPERTY • PARTNERSHIP

WE ST I S

B E S T

The Property Moms' area guide to Hammersmith and Shepherd's Bush

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hepherd’s Bush and Hammersmith are on the fringes of Prime Central London, four miles west of the West End. This area has old-style London character, fantastic new build developments, excellent transport links and homes half the price of Holland Park just up the road.

It is a creative and artistic area with a healthy mix of young professional sharers and couples looking for a comparatively affordable Zone 2 home, and families drawn by the excellent local schools. Properties range from stunning multi-bedroom homes to elegant mansion flats. But if you are looking to buy or let in the area, don’t wait because demand is higher than supply.

THE PROPERTY SCENE Shepherd’s Bush has many elegant Victorian townhouses, mostly now divided into flats. A typical two-bedroom period flat would cost between £550,000 and £650,000, while a two-bedroom purposebuilt flat would start at around £400,000.

ROBBIN PIERCE (L) AND CELINE BRILL, AKA THE PROPERTY MOMS

An average four-bedroom terrace house would cost around £1.2 million.

serving fresh produce, typical market fare and colourful fabrics on the go.

TRANSPORT

DINING AND SOCIAL

These are some of the best-connected areas in London. Shepherd's Bush Tube station is on the Central line in Zone 2, with the Overground too, while Shepherd’s Bush Market station is on the Hammersmith & City line and Hammersmith tube station has the District and Piccadilly lines.

The Princess Victoria pub is beautifully restored to its former glory of a Victorian Gin Palace circa 1929. The vibe is laid-back and classy. The new Hoxton Hotel on Shepherd’s Bush Green has great live music and The Hawk’s Nest on Goldhawk Road does delicious pizzas. Abu Zaad on Uxbridge Road, serving the best Middle Eastern cuisine with a focus on Syrian recipes, is a popular spot for friends, couples and young families.

LEISURE AND THE ARTS The area has major venues include the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire and also Bush Hall, a restored Victorian music hall. The Bush Theatre shows new plays in a former library, and there are two multiplex cinemas.

There are sports pitches close to Queens Park Rangers’ Loftus Road Stadium; the Holland Park Lawn Tennis Club is half a mile to the east and there are tennis courts in Ravenscourt Park.

SHEPHERD’S BUSH MARKET The authentic and much-loved Shepherd’s Bush Market is open six days a week,

DID YOU KNOW? For the 1908 Olympic Games, a stadium was built at White City that was the largest in the world at the time – seating for 68,000 and over 30,000 standing.

It was demolished in 1985, and now the site of the Westfield Shopping Centre.

On 13 April 1963, the Beatles recorded their first-ever BBC Television broadcast at Lime Grove Studios in Shepherd's Bush. thepropertymoms.co.uk

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Surrey’s Premier Builder Upfold Construction Ltd has been established for over 15 years and is a domestic builder providing services throughout Surrey, West Sussex and Hampshire.

We are aware this is your home and will work closely with you throughout the entire project enabling you to achieve your dream home.

Located in Cranleigh we are perfectly placed to offer a total building service to those clients seeking a local, professional and reliable builder. We carry out all aspects of building from extensions, renovations to a complete home refurbishment. Our expertise allows us to provide you with a

Both James Upfold, our Managing Director, and the company are members of the Chartered Institute of Building guaranteeing we are committed to giving quality of product, services and integrity of conduct. Concern for your needs as our client is paramount.

01483 600335 email info@upfoldconstruction.co.uk or visit www.upfoldconstruction.co.uk

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